As a single parent for nearly six years, one of my toughest struggles in juggling home life and finances was childcare.
Covering bills, groceries, fuel and gymnastics leotards is challenging enough — but adding hefty daycare fees of hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars each month is a major burden.
Savinly recently polled 2,000 parents across the country about childcare expenses. Half said they dedicate at least 25% of their income to childcare, and 44% shell out $1,000 or more each month for it.
Many parents (especially single parents) are so pressed for daycare they’ll accept anyone who claims to be a “licensed” caregiver. Even with an exhaustive background check, finding the right person to care for your most precious ones is intimidating.
Below are five places to search for budget-friendly childcare options you might not have considered.
5 Ideas for Finding Affordable Daycare
1. Explore Your Local Boys and Girls Club
Supported by Congressional backing and partial public funding, the Boys and Girls Club of America has existed for well over a century, with thousands of chapters throughout North America.
The cost at the Boys and Girls Club is very reasonable: at one time I paid only $50 for an entire school year. The facilities could use a refresh, but my kids are safe, enjoy themselves and the staff is amiable.
The club near me operates from 2–8 p.m. during the school term. That gives me plenty of time to commute from work and collect my children without worrying about late pickup penalties.
2. Try Your Neighborhood YMCA
Most communities have a YMCA, and in my area before- and after-school care runs under $90 a week. It’s even more affordable if you hold a YMCA membership.
Head to the official YMCA website, enter your ZIP code and review the daycare programs and pricing available near you.
3. Look Up Licensed and Unlicensed Childcare Providers in Your State
Parents are understandably wary about entrusting their kids to just anyone. If your state regulates caregivers, you can investigate the options yourself.
I’ve come across many so-called “licensed” sitters on Craigslist who weren’t listed in the official daycare registry. Check your state’s social services website — you can input your city, choose whether you want only licensed in-home providers or facilities (or both), and a list will appear.
For licensed in-home providers, you should be able to see any complaints lodged over the years and whether those issues were resolved. I’ve found that in-home daycare operators are often more flexible on pricing and scheduling, which can save you money over time.
I once had an in-home caregiver who occasionally ran promotions, like charging full price for one child and watching the second for free.
4. Connect With Other Parents at Your Child’s School
Children’s calendars can be as packed as celebs’. Your best resource for coordinating after-school activities, sports, dance and more may be other parents.
If you’re working, you might meet stay-at-home parents who watch additional kids for extra income.
Don’t hesitate to ask other parents how they manage and request help — and be ready to repay the favor down the road.
5. Check Out Programs Offered by Your City
Municipal programs often provide the most affordable before and after-school and full-day childcare in my area. For a week, my toddler could get full-day care for just $89. I recall once paying more than $100 for one child when they were small.
One child of mine attends a before-school program and the other attends an after-school program; together they cost me only $93 per week. I spend $372 a month on childcare, and since the average monthly daycare price in Virginia exceeds $500, I’m saving nearly $200 each month.
Another benefit of city-run programs is extra activities, like occasional field trips, holiday parties and parents’ nights out that come with minimal or no additional fees.
Sadly, childcare expenses often persist for several years. Below are six practical ways to help control this major cost and more than a dozen organizations that provide childcare support to working parents.
Monica Leftwich is a former contributor to Savinly.
