This is really great work you are doing cfred. If there is anything I can do to help then let me know and I'll do my best to contribute in between having my head stuck in a textbook and daycare hours.

I looked on the Compass website and there is nothing I can find stating a monthly fee for daycare providers but perhaps I missed it. That being said, the rates advertised are less than I charge without paying an agency. Also Compass seem to only cover the Peterborough area and certain surrounding areas.

Natural Connections is $250 a month and seems to offer more freedom with respect to policies and rates. Just a huge expense during the slower months although to be honest having the 6th child would be helpful for the transition times.

Ultimately the biggest obstacle I am experiencing is that the vast majority of inquiries are for under 2 and I am turning them away left right and center. Parents are screwed in my area due to few providers and even less good ones. Before and after school care is an increasing inquiry due to less than 20% of Kindergarten enrollment being covered in town let alone older children. If the under two was reversed and some mandated regulation was enforced I think this could be a great start to making the sector meet demand better while actually offering some regulations to offer reassurance that the children are safe.