Are there any ways to save on child care?

I am a single mom to a five year-old girl (widowed). I have a full-time job and take care most of the big decisions. The biggest right now is making financial decisions. I am coming up with a budget that includes mortgage, childcare, utilities, necessities, wants (limited), and credit cards. I think I got most of it figured out, except I would like to save on childcare but most daycares are expensive and she goes to elementay while the daycare takes her to school and picks her up for me while I work. Any suggestions?

Are there any ways to save on child care?

Perhaps you have a family member (maybe a grandparent) who will take her two days a week so you can only pay for part time. You can look around for diff. daycares. I found that the most important thing is being able to see that they are comfortable. Does she go to school all day or just 1/2 day? It%26#039;s close to the end of the year so if she only goes 1/2 next year it will be more time in school and less daycare. If its full time there may be a nice stay at home mom who lives nearby and wouldnt mind picking up your child for a cheaper fee, or a mom in your daughters class who would like a playmate for a few hours in the afternoon...again, even if just two days a week it would help. OR on the weekends (or your days off) you could always switch with these people and watch their kids or babysit for someother people. Your child will have someone to play with and youll make alittle extra cash. Good luck and good for you!

Are there any ways to save on child care?

Check with your state Some states have a child care allowence that they can help you with day care expenses. I am not sure if you have to be at a certain income level or not. Also maybe your child%26#039;s school has an after school program that she could go to instead of back to day care.

Are there any ways to save on child care?

Not knowing where you live, I don%26#039;t know if this will be helpful to you, but our schools have a program called Just for Kids. It is an on-site before/after school program for kids in the district. It is less expensive than traditional day-care centers. I would also recommend moving close to your parents (if you don%26#039;t live close to them already). At five, your daughter shouldn%26#039;t have too hard a time adjusting to a new school, if you should have to move. Good luck!

Are there any ways to save on child care?

Maybe you could get together with some other parents and take turns being the person to watch everybody%26#039;s kids.

Are there any ways to save on child care?

Depending on the state you live in and your finanical situation, you might qualify for some state benefits such as child care. If I were you, I would certainly check to see if I qualified for any benefits. This may be a dumb question, but have you applied for Social Security benefits?

Check with area churches to see if they have an after school program available to where your child would get off the bus at the church. Sometimes those programs are cheaper than regular daycare.

Check with an area girl scout leader--there may be a teenage girl scout who would be agreeable to babysitting your daughter in your home after school. Or really any teenager. I only suggested a girl scout because they are consistently, in my experience, responsible and trustworthy. She%26#039;d be cheaper than daycare.

Lastly, try checking with another mom who has a daughter the same age as yours and barter. Find a mom who does not work in the afternoon and tell her that if she%26#039;ll watch your daughter after school, you%26#039;ll watch her daughter one evening so she can have a date night or a Saturday morning so she can run errands.

Good Luck!

Are there any ways to save on child care?

I agree with Trish check your state for help. What about boys and girls club? I know they will pick them up from school and help them do homework but don%26#039;t think they will take her. I think i paid $ 80 for the year.

Are there any ways to save on child care?

What about before and after school programs rather than day care?