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Where do you live? There are childcare centers all over where I live in Wisconsin. Many of these daycare centers have outside playground areas. The staff consists of people who are licensed by the state in child care. Costs go toward the staff, the running of the center, the equipment and food that is provided.
Of course, it is always a good idea to check around and ask questions. Get references from other parents. Good care is worth the price.

Thank goodness for mother-in-laws.

I agree that childcare is outrageously expensive. I forget the exact amount, but my barber was telling me about the cost of YMCA childcare and it was ridiculous. I can't even imagine how much some of the other ones cost.Like MissMargo said, they all have licensed employees with a playground and the whole shebang.

If possible, a good idea is to get a group of parents together and work out some kind of schedule where everyone take turns watching the kids. Way too many horror stories of unlicensed day cares on the news to even think about it.

We pay an outrageous $20,000. a year for our 2 year old, we're not rich, both school teachers,
we can't find a less expensive safer one for less. I paid less than that for college.

The insurance is a HUGE bill every month for them

That’s crazy. How much does some sturdy rope and a stake in the ground cost?

You don't seem to want to be realistic about facts, so the simple answer is no.