RE: Cheap Child Care
I understand where you are coming from. I am a single mom and i am 18 years old. I make $9 an hour and i have to pay for rent, car, insurance, phone and I am looking for child care. I know that it is hard to take care of children. I cant just quit and job and take care of my child. You chose to do that so get over it. Don't make us feel bad that you have all these expenses and this and that. This is what you chose to do so live with it. Mothers should not have to pay more then half of their monthly income for childcare. That is outrageous. Yes you can get help from your state but most states have waiting list of not only months but years so its not that easy as it may seem. Childcare is too expensive and there is no denying it!
Posted on 06/28/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
I am a child care giver. I symphathize with parents who can not afford daycare. But, please remember that to get quality daycare that you can have faith in, sometime it is costly. As a worker, I work extremely hard to earn my "low" wage. The children's needs come first and I am dedicated. Very often, were treated as sub-serviant workers. People need to appreciate one another.
Posted on 01/24/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
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.
Posted on 01/23/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
When my kids were small I stayed home till they started Kdg.
Luckily they went in the AM I started cleaning houses so I was home by the time they got home. My daughter is single mom and
got help from the state.. she only made $9 somthing as a Vet Tech and the state paid all her child care. Have you checked into that at all? Also here the YWCA has a program that pays child care for single moms. Good Luck.
Posted on 01/08/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
I've never been a single mom but I have had children and found that I could make more staying home with mine and sitting for others. They made more at that time than I was able to get paid from an outside job. I kept 5 and made just as much as I was getting from my min. wage job. No travel expense, no "special" work clothes, no leaving my son for somebody else to play with. Something to consider.
Posted on 01/08/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
I read every comment and you all are saying to stay home like it easy if she stay's home How would she be able to pay the bills for her kids to have a roof over there heads. yea she can stay home and bake cakes and make crafts and sale it but where would she get the funds from if she doesn't have money to pay for daycare so she can work to take care of her kids. I don't know where you people are from and who is supporting yall cause it sure seems like yall don't have to worry about anything if your staying home taking care of your kids & bills most be paid for life. but that's another topic.
As for the mother in need there is a foundation called Family Central which helps mothers in need of childcare they will help you pay for you child care. I'm not sure of where you live but you should look them up to see if they can help you. There website is:www.familycentral.org. Beleive me when i tell you they are good i know people who only pay as littleas a $1 a day for there kids to go to child care. There is a waiting list but it's not that long they called me within 3 months sometimes longer sometimes shorter who knows but look that up that might help.
Good Luck!
Posted on 01/08/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
I am a single mom. Right now I am not working because I have no one to watch my kids. Never thought it would be so hard.
Posted on 12/09/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
I am a single mother, and I more then understand what you are going through. I have a special needs child. And not a lot of daycares can deal with his speech issue. I have searched, and I have a few options for you depending on how old your child is; Head Start, theres' a waiting list but get on it what do you have to loose, another the YMCA resource Center, they get grants that you cna get from companies to help with the costs of daycare, gte on this list too. Get on every list you can and God willing something has to give. I hope you have Luck in your search, And just know that most single parents go through this.
Posted on 07/31/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
God I'm so sorry. Can you get any kind of help from the government? They have a lot of programs that can help you please try to call the welfare department or any kind of government place. Ask them if they can help you with child care. I don't know how much cost of living is where you live, but I live in CA, and it's so high. I would try the government first. I wish you the best of luck for you and your kids.
Posted on 07/31/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
i dunno about others but im 15 and i have taken a babysitting class and everything, and i always say to the person im sitting for ' charge me what you think is fair' and i usually end up getting 3-5 dollars an hour witch is pretty good concidering i usually have to feed the kid, put him/her to sleep, and watch t.v till the parents get home.
Posted on 08/12/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
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By Julia in Uk (Guest Post)
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Could you work as a sitter yourself? Then you would be able to be with your child too.
I gave up a job 15 years ago because I was making so little after childcare costs. Later I wished I had never done the work at all but stayed at home with my daughter.
Posted on 08/02/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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
Posted on 07/27/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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.
Posted on 07/20/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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!
Posted on 07/19/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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, not 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 wasn'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 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.
Posted on 07/19/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
I unfortunatley had to do this I was making only $2.00 after paying for daycare and I provided breakfast and lunch for my kids at a ladies home and after I paid her and my bills I had only a $2.00 profit and my kids were getting up at 5:00 in the morning so i could go to work. It just wasn't worth it
so i quit and stayed home with them
Posted on 07/19/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
staying at home then with your children may just be cheaper in the long run. cheap child care is exactly what it says CHEAP. if you want a quality person you will pay quality prices. think about all the things you have to spend money on when you are working. ie lunches out, birthday gifts in the office., parties and taking things to them, your work clothes, the daycare your gas to and from etc., the time your child is away from you, the parties etc that are extra for your child and the field trips he may go on. i often wonder when women say they have to work if they have really taken into account all these extras. is it really worth it to make a couple extra dollars???
Posted on 07/19/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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.
Posted on 07/19/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
Try and trade babysitting with another mom who has the opposite work schedule. I did this when my kids were smaller.
Posted on 07/18/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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.
Posted on 07/18/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
Stay at home. Is it worth it to work for someone else for 1.00 an hour? What in the world would you do with the extra $8.00 you made in a day that couldn't be better spent raising your children? Heck $8.00 a day, how much of that will go to gas and maintaining your car and all those things that go along with working? Lunches, proper clothing...?
Posted on 07/18/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
A friend of mine did very well with home-based childcare - which was sort of expanded babysitting with a few children. It's more of a intimate setting and like an extension of your home - besides being less expensive.
Posted on 07/18/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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 prrogram (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.
Posted on 07/18/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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.
Tanya
Posted on 07/17/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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.
Posted on 07/16/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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
Posted on 07/16/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
Hi Cindy,
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
Posted on 07/16/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
"Buy the very best you can afford".
~ Nick Churchill
Posted on 07/15/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
great ideas guys, I do have to work, I am a single mom., I understand child care centers and so forth need to make money also, geez. my last sitter was paid by the state she got $25.00 a day per child. she had 5 during the day and 4 during the evening, thats 225.00 for the day. so no please dont tell me they dont make much money, even after taxes and so forth that is good income.
Posted on 07/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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 take 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, 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 I am 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!
Posted on 07/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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?
Posted on 07/13/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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 others people's kids. It save YOU from have to fork out money to some one else to watch your child plus you make money too.
Posted on 07/13/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Cheap Child Care
YOU MIGHT CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. THEY HIRE MOMS TO DRIVE BUSES AND ALLOW THEM TO TAKE THEIR CHILDREN WITH THEM AS LONG AS THEY CAN WALK. i HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD i HAVE BEEN DRIVING A SCHOOL BUS FOR A YEAR AND WE BOTH LOVE. sHE STILL GETS INTERACTION WITH KIDS THAT WAY
Posted on 07/13/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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!
Posted on 07/13/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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