Saving Money on Daycare

Cheap Child Care

I am having a very hard time finding cheap child care, The day care people here ask way too much money and think we are being selfish by saying it's too much. With their rates, I may make $1.00 an hour myself, while the rest goes to support the sitter. Any ideas please? I have to go to work.

Cindy from Oakley, KS

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RE: Cheap Child Care

If you can't beat'em join'em! Could you provide childcare for a few children in your home? You might be money ahead in doing that, plus you'd get to spend more time with your own child. I did this and it worked out well for me! Good luck! (07/13/2007)

By Grandma Margie

RE: Cheap Child Care

If your income is pretty much going to the daycare/sitter it may be more economically sound to stay home. It is silly to work just to pay for daycare. I agree with the above poster. Perhaps you can stay home and watch other people's kids. It saves you from having to fork out money to some one else to watch your child plus you make money too. (07/13/2007)

By Andjerm

RE: Cheap Child Care

Try looking at daycare programs associated with local churches. I have found them to be more reasonably priced. Can you find another parent who works an opposite schedule from you (i.e. you work days, they work nights or you work weekdays, they work weekends) and baby-sit for each other? (07/13/2007)

By DownSouth

RE: Cheap Child Care

Our children are our most precious gift (or should be), we have to realize that child care providers are taking care of these gifts. They have to make money too, they wouldn't be in it for nothing. You have to be all patient, all understanding, and all arms to be a child care provider. I too was once in a position that I was amazed at how much I was paying (wasn't really that much), but someone pointed out to me, that I shouldn't complain about someone taking very good care of my child.

If you are making $1 an hour, then I see no reason for you to be working, stay at home and find some income for yourself would probably bring in more dollars. Not only that, it would make a huge impact on the life of your children. If you are working for benefits (I would assume so, since you said you were working for $1 and had to work) then you either need to find a co-op situation, or look for another position.

I come from a mom that had the patience to take others' children, it's a very thankless job. The parents would be late, complain about money, not pay, and yet they proclaim their children are "precious". I too am a nanny to one child, the mom says "she is my baby" (she really is the baby of 5) and yet has been late without asking, assumed I'll feed her child on the little money I do get and assumes that paying me next week is OK. This money is to supplement me staying home with my child, not spending money for Starbucks (where the mom loves to frequent at least once a day herself) or a new purse! It's my living.

I apologize if I sound like I am on a soap box, but I am very passionate about people understanding that good care costs money, if you have to work then you need to be willing to pay the care. Unfortunately, a lot of times you pay less, you get less. And nothing angers me more than people not taking care of their "precious children".

I hope you find a situation that will work out for you and leave your child with good memories, excellent care, hopefully yours, cuz' that's always the best" and happy times! (07/14/2007)

By michawnpita

RE: Cheap Child Care

"Buy the very best you can afford". ~ Nick Churchill (07/15/2007)

By gurth

RE: Cheap Child Care

I know it's really hard paying child care and yet sometimes there's no way round it. Hang in there, remember that yes, it will be hard for a few years, but it will get easier.

In the meantime, can you earn extra money doing something from home to keep you going? Offer to babysit, I did this years ago, I minded a child the same age as my son so they were great company for each other and it didn't feel so much like extra work. What about making crafts that you can sell for a little extra income.

The other thing you should give serious consideration to is getting a new job, maybe you could get one with a better wage or with childcare available. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Mum (07/16/2007)

By Ann S

RE: Cheap Child Care

Some daycares are subsidized and depending on your income and where you are located at they can be very inexpensive. Where I live we have one that does that and some people pay anywhere form $8, $25, etc. a month and the government pays the rest. (07/16/2007)

By imaqt1962

RE: Cheap Child Care

You have to remember the costs in providing childcare, too. We are required to carry $1,000,000 insurance "per child" as well as supplemental liability insurance on the premises. Not to mention the taxes. This is considered self-employment and up to 1/3 of earnings go back to taxes. There are rarely paid vacations (like you receive in the corporate world), you are replacing your personal goods on a regular basis (accidents) and then there is the stress of never being able to "call in sick".

Childcare "is" expensive, but there are costs involved. Huge costs. I just wish I had the guts to ask the process premium daycares charge for their tuition. (07/16/2007)

By Robin

RE: Cheap Child Care

I have a suggestion. Try leaving your child with a stay at home grandma type next door or down the road from you. They could probably do it for free if they know you will be back everyday at a specific time to pick the child up. Older people need company too. This could help both of you. Also is there a woman in your building or block on welfare looking for extra income. Try this too. Ask her to do it for a very small fee, she may agree. You can set up a camera if trust is an issue. Anyhow good luck. (07/17/2007)

By Tanya

RE: Cheap Child Care

You might try child care done in someone's home. These are generally less expensive. Call your local state child assistance program (my son has previously worked at one). Based on your income, your child care can be subsidized by the state. It can take a month or two for this to kick in, but you could have substantial savings. If you have a church you attend, many have daycares at low cost or possibly can help financially until state help kicks in. Just don't lie on your application, they can find out things you may think they can't. Good luck. (07/18/2007)

By Memere

RE: Cheap Child Care

If you are only clearing $1 per hour, why not find something you can do at home to earn income. There are dozens of occupations that will earn far more than $1 per hour. Making pies and selling them makes about $10 per hour. Then there's dog grooming, baking, giving birthday parties, medical transcribing, typing for others, telephone sales, etc. Just keep your eyes open and you'll do far better, and you can raise your own children. (07/18/2007)

By coreenhart

RE: Cheap Child Care

If you must work try to get training or education that will enable you to get a job with good benefits, including excellent insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan. You do not necessarily need a degree to get a lucrative job. In the Orlando area they are desperate for workers. A water treatment worker will get free training and can make as much as $64,000. Nurses, including LPNS can work whatever hours fit into their schedule. You can get tuition reimbursement for nursing and other fields. Some companies here reimburse even if you are taking courses in a field unrelated to your job. Teens are far more expensive than babies. Before you know it your kids will be ready for college and you don't want to spend the equity on your home to get them through. Have a life plan in mind. Keep in mind that the years you commit to being home taking care of children or aging parents will need to be made up to get income from your retirement plan. Most companies require 20-30 years. If there is no retirement plan, or in addition to one, you can put money into a TSA, and borrow from it at very low interest for the kids education. Even tiny amounts add up over the years. (07/19/2007)

By SusannL

RE: Cheap Child Care

I had this same problem when mine was young. I lived in a small town and was in the position that I had to work, no matter how little I brought home. I had no family to help what-so-ever. Luckily, I lived only about a mile from my job, so traveling costs weren't great. And I didn't need a really professional wardrobe (I worked for a doctor), as long as I looked presentable (I had a really good 'core' wardrobe). This job allowed me to leave work in emergencies, so it turned out to be perfect, even though I never made very much. I found an older lady (mother to one of our patients) who just wanted some extra income to sit for a while. Then a neighbor who had an in-home daycare, but was fully state certified. Daycare is expensive no matter where you go. Could you maybe try to get a job at one? At least then, you won't be charged and can bring home a paycheck bigger than $1/hr. (07/19/2007)

By susanmajp

RE: Cheap Child Care

I am a single mom who was not going to be able to afford childcare and my bills, so I went to the Dept of Social Services and applied for their Childcare Assistance program. They give me a subsidy form and determine the rate I need to pay each month for childcare. Right now I pay 160 a month for full-time childcare at a place that is accredited and I am comfortable that my child is receiving the optimum care. Call DSS and see if they can help you out! (07/19/2007)

By Erin

RE: Cheap Child Care

Don't you get any child support? What about the father of your child? Maybe you could work opposite shifts so he could care for his child while you are working. As far as what the poster said about maybe finding an older woman to watch your child for free, please, don't assume anyone wants to watch your child for free no matter how delightful your child is.

The daycare provider that you said was making $225 per day, that person has no life other than caring for children. She does it day and night. When does she get any time off? No vacation, no personal days, no sick days, no 8 hour days only. If you think she was making so much easy money, maybe you should try walking in her shoes since you have to work. Sorry, but it just irks me when people think day care providers are just rolling in the dough at an easy job. The one poster had it right that said you have to constantly hound parents to pay you. They act like being a child care provider isn't a "real" job. (07/20/2007)

By Sandee

RE: Cheap Child Care

Have you tried your local junior and high schools there are always good young people out there looking to make some money doing childcare (07/27/2007)

By Donnarb

RE: Cheap Child Care

O.K. you guys, I am a licensed Early Childhood Educator, and run a small day care in my home. In order to get a license here, we are required to go to College for 2 years and learn all about children. For example: brain development, physical development, emotional, cognitive, physical skill enhancing, problem solving, family situations, music skills, teaching through play, infant care, children with special needs care, first aid, CPR, plus how to work with parents and families. How to work with children from other countries; famine and war affected children, abused children, how to recognize abuse, and bookkeeping and accounting courses plus a whole lot more.

My courses cost me over $10,000 plus books, transportation, clothing, food, etc. and I still had to pay all of my household bills while at college full time. My student loan is over $25000. I am legally allowed to care for 5 children and can charge $25/day. I have to have extra insurance for each child, food for snacks and lunches, I have to keep the house warm.

So heat bills, hydro bills, water bills, plus mortgage, toys, wipes, diapers, cellphone for when we go out, medical supplies for first aid kits, blankets and pillows for naps, laundry supplies for the nap stuff, cleaning and sterilizing stuff, fire extinguishers, furnace and duct cleaning, special child-proof safety equipment, etc. I'm not even breaking even! I get up at 6:00a.m. and don't get to bed until usually midnight, no holidays, no sick days. We don't do this because it's an "easy stay at home job" we do this because we love children. So don't complain about child care fees. We work hard for our money! This job takes a lot of patience, and a thick skin. The kids are great. It's the parents we have the most problems with. They think we are "just babysitters" and treat us like slaves. They don't pay on time because "something more important came up and I can't afford to pay you til next week".

They are late because "I really needed to stop and pick up a few groceries" . They arrive early without calling first because "oh, I'm sorry I woke you up. I don't mind if you're not dressed yet. You live here so you're always here, you can get dressed later". So appreciate your care giver. Treat them with respect, pay them on time, call if you are going to be late or early, and a box of chocolates for Christmas would be wonderful or even a thank you card. Your children are precious. (01/23/2009)

By catastrofy