Cheap and Free Child Care
Safe Low Cost and No Cost Babysitting Options for Your Little One
Jan 15, 2009
In today's economy, the cost of childcare is one of many concerns for parents. Still, many families consist of two working parents. Searching for safe low cost or no cost babysitting for your little one may seem impossible. Before you throw in the towel-try these hints and tips.
Cheap Child Care
Nannies are often reserved for those who make a very high income, and childcare centers can be hundreds of dollars per week just for one child. When that is not in your budget, there are low cost alternatives available.
- University/Colleges/Childcare Training Centers: If you or your spouse are also students, you may have childcare options available to you through your University or Community College. Often, colleges offer programs to train childcare providers. Because these providers are often supervised trainees, the cost is often much lower than traditional childcare centers. The benefit of childcare training centers is that the student childcare providers are kept to strict standards by their supervisors. The downside is that there is usually a waiting list. However, low-income families are often given high priority and drop-in child care options.
- Home Daycare: Home daycare centers are usually run by stay at home moms or former daycare providers who have decided to open their home during the day to watch other children. Usually licensed, you get the benefit of a trained childcare provider in the comfort of a home. The cost can be as low as $5/day including food! Plus, because their home is open for most of the day, their hours are generally flexible, which is great if you have a constantly changing schedule. Additionally, your child will meet kids of all ages. The downside is that they are often not available for evening or overnight care. Additionally, you may find one person watching a large group and wide age range of kids.
- Work Sponsored Care: Although rare, some work places offer childcare services in the offices. What is more popular however, is work sponsored or discounted childcare. Ask your employer if he has any discounts if you use specific childcare providers. Sometimes, co-workers get together and make a list of low-cost childcare providers in the area.
- Part-time babysitting: Parents often have to make a hard choice when it comes to childcare. When the cost of childcare outweighs the cost of working, one parent makes the decision to stay home. Part-time babysitting might be a good option for this family. College students, responsible senior high school students and even full-time workers or stay at home moms just looking for extra work are often eager to babysit your little one, often in the comfort of your own home! The cost is usually negotiable depending on their childcare experience and can run anywhere from $6-$10 per hour. Make sure to check references (ask for at least two) and plan for an interview to ask questions and conduct a trial babysitting session between the sitter and your child.
- Church Organizations: Before you settle on a childcare provider, check with your local church to see if it offers any childcare services. Many churches can give referrals, or even provide short-term or long-term childcare options. Sometimes, churches have preschool programs as well. Fees are usually lower for church members and may be negotiable depending on your financial situation.
Free Childcare
If both parents are low-income and need short or long-term free or low cost childcare, there are usually state or city services available for childcare. Search for your city or state website for more details. Otherwise, free childcare is usually best for short-term periods and/or for a limited number of hours per day or week.
- Family: There is nothing quite like family when you need help caring for your little one! Grandma and Grandpa or a favorite Aunt or Uncle can be a wonderful asset when you need to get errands done or desperately need that extra money from that part-time job. Just remember to take your families needs into consideration. Provide all the entertainment your child or children may need throughout the day; don't expect your family to pay for everything. Sure they love your little one, but they are trying to do you a favor. And remember to say thank you!
- Friends: Use sparingly! Our friends are often the first people to offer to lend a hand we are in a tough spot. However, try not to burden your friends with your kids. An evening or two once in awhile is usually the limit. More than that is pushing your luck!
- Babysitting Co-Op: Your best bet for free babysitting! A babysitting co-op is made up of parents from your area who want to take on babysitting duty in exchange for a night out or an afternoon baby free! Instead of cash, you earn points when you babysit. The downside for a working parent may be that you must babysit in order to earn points.
Low Cost and No Cost Childcare A Good Alternative
Childcare today can be expensive, especially if you have more than one child. When childcare centers are too expensive and a nanny is out of the question, try some of these cheaper alternatives for your little ones. No matter the option you choose, make sure to check your childcare providers references, ask plenty of questions beforehand and do a trial run to make sure your provider and child connect.
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