How do people afford childcare?

Melissa - posted on 05/24/2013

Even if both parents work, you STILL can't really afford it. This is the issue i am having at this point. We don't qualify for assistance, but that doesn't mean we can afford it. People here want 800-1000 a month or more and we don't have that kind of extra money. its very frustrating and disappointing. I'm not sure what we are going to do if we can't find anyone who can accommodate our budget.

Cassandra - posted on 03/30/2010

I sold body parts to afford it. I'm totally kidding, but it was extremely hard. I was a single mom and have never received child support. Luckily I had a wonderful mom that helped out until I got myself going. Somehow I always ended up making ends meet. Granted, this was just for one child. With multiples, sometimes working is more expensive than not working. Another thing to try is to post an add on CL or whatever in your area with your budget. You'd be surprised how many home daycare providers are eager to help out - maybe trade time with them and they can have a weekend out to make up the cost difference from what their other parents pay.

Naomi - posted on 03/29/2010

I am in the same boat as you and have 3 children and have no idea how people can afford child care if you are not claimming any benefits. or tax credits. I am looking for a job but finding it very difficult to sort out child care and have no parents living near by. You are not alone!!!

Sara - posted on 01/24/2010

I'm the worker bee in the family. I have a FT job and my husband is FT too, but he has a life producer's license and works in financial services. I will be going back to work and he will keep our son with him, as he's allowed to bring him to the office and such. We're truly blessed. :) I know everyone has a different situation but that's how we have it set up. I would love to be a SAHM but at the same time I HAVE to go to work, and that's why we decided what we did.

Amber - posted on 01/24/2010

At the daycare center I work at, I know people use West Central( WCCC) or do things like just pay for the days they come or work something out with our office. I know that there is aide for moms that work and goto school. It costs about 135 a week/ 35 a day for an infant at my work. I get a bonus that employees get a discount. I have friends that work around their boyfriends/husbands schedules so they can still work.
It's hard to be a working mom ( I have it slightly easier than most) but there are ways to get around it!

Olivia - posted on 01/24/2010

I pay $900/month for my son. I have looked at cheaper centers but they do not offer the kind of environment that I want him in. It is the price I have to pay to know he is in good hands. I just was not comfortable with the cheaper options. We just do everything we can to make it work. Take lunches to work, keep lights off. Keep the thermostat a little lower than where we want it. You just have to do what is right for you. Good luck finding a sitter.

Christina - posted on 01/24/2010

something needs tobe done--it is outof control.

Rose - posted on 01/23/2010

When our daughter was in full time care, it was over $1000 a month. I often thought that the cost of child care should be controlled by the state.

Christina - posted on 01/22/2010

I would love to lower the cost of child care for my daughter. We pay over 500 a month for 3 days a week, This is really rough- I would love to work with someone but with my husbands hours it would need to be a flexable schedule. any ideas would be helpful

Gayle - posted on 01/21/2010

Have you thought about an au pair? Often young adult girls (anywhere from 19 - 28) from another country who live with you for 3 - 12 months and in exchange for helping out with your kids, experience life in America. You pay them a nominal amount of "pocket money" as well. Its great fun and we have had some really fantastic experiences with these girls. Our kids love it as well. Try www.aupairworld.net

Melissa - posted on 01/20/2010

How old are your children? Do u live in UK? In UK if your child is 3 they are entitled to 12.5 hours free childcare - some areas may offer 15 hours free. I have a son who is 4 who is entitled to this and then my 19 month old attends a private Nursery 2 days a week- which is expensive but we get by. As me and my husband both work at least 16 hours a week we are entitled to Working Tax credit, which helps, plus my Mum helps a little. All families in UK get child benefit.

When I worked full time and i just had one child he was in Nursery 2 days a week, then childminder 2 days a week and then my Mum 1 day a week. Was expensive, I'd say half my wage went to childcare fees, so I quit after 6 months as I felt it wasn't worth it and I missed my son too much.

I am planning on going into teaching and rectifying my career next year, when my eldest will be year one in school and my youngest will be almost entitled to 15 hours free childcare, plus may be able to get reduced rates at a nursery attached to a university where i am hoping to study.

What about childcare students? You could get someone who is looking for childcare experience to look after your children at a reduced rate?

Also in UK there is SureStart and the Children's Centres which could help you?
Sorry if you don't live in UK - a lot of stuff may be irrelevant!

Ashley - posted on 01/20/2010

First i love my baby sitter but im a single mom and 35 percent of my income even with sub go's to day care i cant afford it but have no choice. That being said i live in Canada up north so day care here is impossible to find and expensive so i lucked out big finding my baby sitter, but i do feel sad that i am just not really making my bills and don't get to see my son all day some times i do feel like i work to pay day care i just have to wait it out something has to give right. My suggestion is if u have family use them if u don't like me try sub or whatever u have and talk to local moms maybe u can trade kid sitting if the schedule works or find a mom staying home often they would love a bit of extra income and might be willing to give u a bargen. Good luck its a hard one.

Belinda - posted on 01/19/2010

Hi have u tried home day cares they r a lot cheaper & only charge by the hours u need! Or make some friends with your neighbours that also have kids and offer to look after there kids and they could help u out by doing the same!!! Good luck !!

Rhonda - posted on 01/18/2010

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Jessica - posted on 01/15/2010

look into CCS. google it or whatever but they help you out with childcare. Your children don't have to go to a daycare center. They have different options that you can choose from. If you let me know where you live I can try and get a number for you.

Jill - posted on 01/07/2010

i guess you can say i lucked out. i was working in the child care field before i got pregnant with my 1st. when i went back to work, she came with me. i stayed in child care until my youngest was a few months old and decided to be a stay at home mom for 2 years then went back to work but worked nights.

while working at day care centers, i would either have a 50% discount or not pay at all for my children. so thats ow i afforded child care. if i didnt work there, they would take me broke.

but everyone please remember (and im sure all child care professionals will agree) group supervisiors, assistant group supervisors, and aides don't make much to watch all those children for 8 hours a day. so please be kind to your day care providers!!


good luck with day care!

Ashley - posted on 01/07/2010

I only have one child and my provder costs 1200 a month. Right now I'm looking at going back to work full time but have to make decent money just to keep up with that bill, and need to make more so there's actually a reason to work full time, otherwise I might as well stay part time and be home with my son.Granted I'm looking for cheaper childcare at this point because 1200 is way too much in my mind.

Kirsten - posted on 01/06/2010

sometimes there are state programs to assist with childcare or something in the community such as a church. as for myself i dont qualify for it so i have to rotate what bills are paid and take help whenever it is offered.

Karina - posted on 01/06/2010

There is care for kids I used to use that when I had my daughter in daycare. You fill out an application, you make coppies of last years taxes, last 4 stubs and the daycares info and when you send all paperwork in within the month they will respond if they can help you pay for child care or not and how much they will pay and how much will be your responsibility to pay!

Alisha - posted on 01/06/2010

I'm not sure what state you live in but in Wisconsin we have child care assistance available through the Dept. of Human Services (Social Services). It is completely based on income but applying can't hurt. The other thing you can do is find an at home day care if you are comfortable with that because they can be less expensive and more flexible if you have 2 children. I paid some co-payments for childcare and yes you can claim that as a write off on your taxes, just ask your tax person.

Stephanie - posted on 01/06/2010

its a very hard thing to do i am expecting my second child and my husband and i are now considering i stay home and work evenings daycare will run usabout 325 a week and i bring home 349 a week so its like working for daycare that you need because you work....... night job would be most beneifical to actually make money

Miranda - posted on 01/05/2010

i work parttime and the family helps out ALOT with watching my child. my child also attends a daycare part time where he only gets charged for when he is there for 1.70 an hour.

Katrina - posted on 01/05/2010

i found a great home provider for my twins and it is expensive but we manage. she was flexible with her rate and provides us with the support that no center could have done. Ask your child's pediatrician - that's how we found ours.

Atira - posted on 01/05/2010

i agree with kimberly!! thats something that you should try

Karen - posted on 01/05/2010

Find out what is offered in your county. I only bring home about 1200 a month for myself and the little one. Because of this, I qualify for paid childcare and the best part, I choose who cares for her. I chose my mother, so Ellee get to spend lots of time with grandma, and mom gets paid to watch her grand daughter. I don't have to claim it on my taxes either.

Jennifer - posted on 01/05/2010

Try to find out about people doing child care from their homes. Sometimes they don't advertise and you find out from conversation with others. That is generally the cheapest.

Jessica - posted on 01/05/2010

Try going to your city's local Office of Family Support and find out if they offer a childcare assistance program. IDK where you are from but I know that Louisiana offers it. It's a program for families that need help paying for childcare. There are a few requirements but it does help tremendously.

Kristin - posted on 01/05/2010

Quoting lisa:

Quoting Brandy:

I feel the same way,it doesnt set well with me that if you have children and go to work you are basicaly working to pay someone else to raise your babies.Thats why I started to work from home with an honest company! I think its totaly rediculous how much it costs for a daycare,it's crazy

Brandy, Do you realize how much it cost to even run a childcare center. I own one andjust barely make my bills and pay my help. I love the kids and wish I could do it for free. Please don't put down childcare centers some of us are in it for all the right reasons and that is to love your children and make sure they are safe.

i agree Lisa...my children's daycare is also a preschool, we are VERY fortunate that they learn what they do at daycare, they are waaay advaned intellectually for their age, something I don' think I could provide i I were a stay at home mom because I am not  a teacher. Plus it is a much easier transition to get your kids into school at a 5 if they are already used to that kind of structure :) Our daycare provider is like a second mom to my boys, I  just love her and it takes a special kind of gal to do that job! Idon't work to pay someone else to raise my kids, I work to provide my kids with an oustanding future, and they will grow up knowing it is a reality for most parents to have to work   in order to provide a comfortable lifestyle and in doing so I can afford to put them through college and travel several times a year with them.  Remember...it's not quantity of time  you spend with them, but quality! We  have fabulous evenings and weekends together, breakfast and din din together every single day as a family and have a BLAST together on the weekends and in t he evenings because we can afford it both working. It's worth it for me!

Kristin - posted on 01/05/2010

Quoting Cynthia:

My sister in law use to watch my kids but when her grandkids were born she could no longer stay with my kids. Not wanting to quit my job I moved back in with my parents.I pay $9,100 a year for my son and I pay $7,068 a year for my daughter's preschool. I have to commute with my kids to the city because the child care is more affordable than the county I live in. It's not easy but I doesn't last for ever. You just have to make sacrifices.

OMG you can send your kids to private school all year for that price!!!!! Literally! Montissori is $8,000 a year!

Kristin - posted on 01/05/2010

Jennifer: I also live in MN we pay $500 a month for one child with a private daycare, whom is also a preschool teacher...I find that quite reasonable? Our daycare for 2 is about $800-$1000 a month depennding if it's a 5 week month.. We afford it because we both have great jobs although I'm not sure how some people would otherwise afford that.

Jessica - posted on 01/05/2010

I work full time... My hubby's job is seasonal! im over $1,500 in debt with my daycare! Not good! Is it tax refund time yet? your guess is as good as mine!

Brittany - posted on 01/05/2010

I think it's like magic or something because I'm not sure how I afford it!

Iysha - posted on 01/04/2010

I am on welfare and my Fiance and I are in a program called Welfare to Work. He is a full time student and I work so we qualified for the free child care. I am having family watch my daughter though.

Coleen - posted on 01/04/2010

i dont know what your work hrs are or the day that you work, but when my children were in day care, i paid for so many days and i volunteered a day or 2 within the centre. Didnt have to do much , just help prepare morning tea's, and help clean up after the kiddies inside and out. If that isn't suitable, maybe look for a responsible teenager and pay them a few bucks, im sure they would appreciate the extra money

Jessica - posted on 01/04/2010

I live in the US and the state I live in has limited vouchers. The state pays some of the check, but there's a parent fee which is based off of your income and children vs the area you live in. Even with my current boyfriend (not the father) working the exact opposite shift and one car, its hard. But somehow people make it. It still boggles my mind how some people can pay 200 easy with no gov't help. I make a decent amount, but its still not enough.

Christina - posted on 01/04/2010

When my husband and I were both working and our two boys were in daycare we were paying $230/week. My husband was a cook and after daycare he made like $70/week. As a weird kidda blessing he was layed off and now collectes unemployment and stays at home with the boys. My point is, most people can't afford daycare. Hopefully you have a family member that can help you out.

Cynthia - posted on 01/04/2010

My sister in law use to watch my kids but when her grandkids were born she could no longer stay with my kids. Not wanting to quit my job I moved back in with my parents.I pay $9,100 a year for my son and I pay $7,068 a year for my daughter's preschool. I have to commute with my kids to the city because the child care is more affordable than the county I live in. It's not easy but I doesn't last for ever. You just have to make sacrifices.

Frances - posted on 01/04/2010

I remember seeing somethng on the Today show about moms in the working field...basically if you are not making over $30,000.00 with your job, you are making it worse for your family. This will include all the money for your meals, clothing expenses, child care, gas to and from work, home and daycare, ect. So keep this in mind with todays economy...is it worth actually going back to work right now?

Jennifer - posted on 01/04/2010

Sittercity.com is also a good place to find good childcare. There are babysitters and nannies that are cheaper than some childcare facilities. However, and this has been mentioned already, I do not think you will be able to claim babysitting expenses on your taxes.

Jillian - posted on 01/04/2010

IDK I have to live with my parents in order to afford childcare...

Jessica - posted on 01/04/2010

look up you city or towns website and see what they have under childcare.

Haley - posted on 01/03/2010

you can take ur childcare off ur taxes if u live in the US and if u do an itemized. my husband is an acccountant he knows lol. :) as far as affording it, i would try and find a family member or friend thats willing to do it for half price. :) thats what i do.

Victoria - posted on 01/03/2010

check out craigslist. i recently decided to look into going back to work and was looking on there to see what child care was available in my area. i actually found someone for cheaper for 2 children full time than when i had only one child in part time.

Christa - posted on 01/03/2010

I have five children.....childcare is crazy expensive! I would be working just to pay for childcare. I found a great opportunity to work from home.....with my children here. So now I don't pay childcare AND I have an extremely fulfilling job opportunity as well. Best of both worlds!! Christa Lammers

Pattie - posted on 01/03/2010

I have two kids in daycare and I pay approximately $1000 a month for full time care. It's expensive yes BUT don't just settle for the lowest bidder either! My son was in three daycares before we found the right one. The first center was talking about closing so we had to find a new place. The second was beautiful but I quickly learned that safety was not on their priority list in the least! (even when I approached the director with my concerns and called the provincially regulated inspector 3 times to report that at drop off time there were upwards of 35 kids and one adult in the building!) Finally I found a small center with great staff who shared the same values I did. My son settled in quickly and LOVES it. The kids are great! The staff is great! The stimulation and attention he receives is amazing. Now that my daughter is there I am still not concerned with the high price tag that comes with it because each day I get to go to work without the worry of who my children are spending their days with. That being said...I was once in the boat that meant cost was everything. Many governments have subsidy programs. Check with your local official for info on subsidizing costs and licensed facilities.

KRISTIE - posted on 01/03/2010

I have two little ones in daycare a 2.5 yr old and 9 months they go 3 days a week and I pay $630.00 a month. But I will be claiming this on my taxes this year and hopefully that will help us.

Brandye - posted on 01/03/2010

I agree with Kimberly's statement. I had NCI (something like she had) but once I started working at a better paying job I told them I no longer needed the help. I pay $650 a month for two children. My son goes there all day and my daughter only goes after she gets out of school. She is in kindergarten.

Da - posted on 01/03/2010

Childcare is a bear! I made 2 much to get benefits & learned out to eat bread & peanut but for 7 years, tuna, ramon noodles, anything that did not cost more then 60 cents a day to eat> sounds sucky but it is reality>

Carol - posted on 01/03/2010

some places give discounts for multiple children. We paid the full amount for one and it was very expensive but I did the flexible spending but we could not do the tax discount. Does your company offer flexible spending, it does reduce taxes a little.

Jennifer - posted on 01/02/2010

I got a job at a daycare. I get free daycare and get to see my kids all day long. I know they are being taken care of because I am there and it has given me career opportunities I did not expect.