Why Daycares Are So Expensive in Taiwan: My Experience and Insights

Finding quality childcare in Taiwan can be a challenge, especially when it comes to cost. I personally paid NTD 21,000 (approximately USD 700) a month for each of my children to attend a private daycare, which, while on the lower end for private options, still made a significant dent in my monthly budget. Here’s why daycare in Taiwan can be so expensive and why I chose the daycare my kids attend.

The High Cost of Daycare in Taiwan

Daycare in Taiwan is costly, especially in private facilities. The NTD 21,000 (USD 700) per month I paid for each of my children’s daycares is considered on the lower end for private daycares, but many other private options can easily reach NTD 30,000-40,000 (USD 1,000-1,300) per month.

So, why do private daycares charge so much? The high cost stems from several factors:

1. Quality of Care: Private daycares often provide higher quality care, with more attention to each child's needs. They usually offer smaller class sizes, which means more individualized care and more one-on-one time for each child.

2. Highly Qualified Staff: Private daycares tend to hire more experienced and qualified staff. Many caregivers are trained in early childhood education and development, which ensures that children receive proper stimulation, care, and learning.

3. Educational Programs: In addition to basic childcare, many private daycares offer structured educational programs. These programs may include language development, art, music, socialization skills, and even basic lessons in math and science, all of which contribute to higher fees.

4. Higher Operating Costs: Private daycares generally have higher operating costs, such as rent for their facilities, utilities, and materials. These costs are passed down to parents, which is one reason why private daycare tends to be more expensive than government-subsidized options.

5. More Luxurious Facilities: Some private daycares are equipped with high-quality play equipment, well-maintained facilities, and better food options, all of which contribute to the higher fees.

6. High Demand Despite Low Birth Rates: Even though Taiwan’s birth rate is one of the lowest in the world, daycare remains in high demand. Many parents, particularly those in dual-income households, rely heavily on daycare services, which results in a supply and demand issue. The limited availability of spaces in both public and private daycares pushes up the prices, making them even more expensive.

Choosing a Christian Private Daycare

When I was looking for a daycare for my children, I had certain criteria in mind, and one of the most important factors was finding a center that aligned with our values. We chose a Christian daycare, which offered not only the typical early childhood care but also incorporated Christian teachings and values into daily activities.

The principal spoke excellent English, which was crucial for me as an expatriate living in Taiwan. Having a daycare where I could communicate easily with the principal and the staff gave me peace of mind, knowing that any concerns or issues could be addressed promptly and clearly.

Additionally, this daycare felt like a community where my children could receive a nurturing and supportive environment while also learning basic moral values through Christian stories and practices.

Age Requirements: From 1 Month to 3 Years

The daycare we selected accepts children as young as 1 month old, which is quite typical in Taiwan. This early start is often essential for working parents who need childcare but also wish to ensure their babies receive proper care and stimulation from a very young age. Many parents here believe that early daycare can help develop their child's social skills, language development, and overall preparedness for future schooling.

Children can attend daycare up until they are 3 years old, at which point they typically transition to kindergarten. This can be another challenge for parents, as the cost of kindergarten can be equally as expensive, especially if you choose a private, non-government subsidized kindergarten.

Subsidized Government Daycares: Hard to Get for Everyone

While subsidized government daycares are an option for many families, they are difficult to access for everyone, not just expatriates. These centers offer subsidized fees, making them more affordable, but they are highly competitive, and spaces are limited. Many families face long waiting lists, and some areas use a lottery system to allocate spots. Parents essentially enter their child's name into a draw, and those selected get a spot, while others are left on the waiting list or have to look elsewhere.

This system makes it challenging for families, especially in larger cities like Taipei, to secure a place for their children in a government-subsidized daycare. The lottery process adds an element of uncertainty, and the demand for spots far exceeds the supply. Because of this, even local Taiwanese families can find it difficult to access government-subsidized daycare spots, let alone expatriates who may not be as familiar with the system.

Non-Government Daycares: Expensive but Accessible

Non-government daycares, such as the one my children attend, are often more expensive but may offer more immediate availability and flexibility. The application process for these daycares is generally simpler, and they often do not have the long waiting lists associated with government-subsidized centers. As a result, while they come with higher fees, they offer more accessibility for parents who need childcare sooner rather than later.

For those who can afford it, private daycares can provide more personalized care, smaller class sizes, and specialized educational programs. However, the higher cost remains a barrier for many families.

Final Thoughts

Daycare in Taiwan can be a financial strain, especially for expatriate families. The cost of daycare is influenced by several factors, such as the level of care provided, the educational programs offered, and the qualifications of the staff. While private daycares can be more expensive than government-subsidized options, they offer benefits such as smaller class sizes and more specialized care.

Choosing the right daycare is an important decision, and for us, the Christian daycare with English-speaking staff was the perfect choice. While daycare costs are high, the level of care, safety, and educational value my children receive make it worth the investment.

If you’re an expatriate living in Taiwan, I recommend looking into private daycare options early to secure a spot for your child. And remember, while daycare can be expensive, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is being well cared for and learning valuable skills is priceless.