Well, this is all new to me, but I suppose I at least understand where the rule came from. I think it is very important for new providers to find out what other providers are charging though so that they can set appropriate and fair rates and not undersell themselves or bring down the fees of everyone else (although I don't condone the sneaky methods the original poster was talking about...I have never and would never do that). Daycare centres are surely privvy to what the rates of other centres are when they set their fees (or raise their fees) as are agencies. I don't see why we shouldn't have the right to the same information.