The cost of childcare in most States goes to over thirty thousand dollars every year. A simple night date might get pricey when you factor in the price of babysitting. When going back to school, you have to find quality and reliable childcare services. Here are some ideas of lowering your childcare expenses.
- Create a childcare budget
How much can you afford to pay a babysitter or a daycare? If you don’t figure out the answer to this question, any amount might seem very steep. Consider your general expenditure and see where you can cut back. Once you have a figure in mind, you can start shopping for child care that’s within your budget.
- Compare costs
Don’t fall for the first service provider that comes your way. Considering that tuition should be at the top of your priority list, you should compare costs between different providers. This will be a long-term expenditure, so the difference of a few dollars can have a huge impact.
- Start of join a babysitting cooperative
Are you part of a group with other moms whom you delivered during the same month? Or are there moms in your neighborhood with whom you have bonded with because you all have babies who are about the same age? This is a great place to start when forming a babysitting cooperative. The cooperative is a great way to keep up with each other’s kids, stay in touch and save on child care expenses. You can take turns babysitting each other’s children. That way, you pay for childcare by offering a service rather than with money.
- Ask a family member to watch over your children
If you are lucky enough to live with a relative in your neighborhood or state, you can request them to watch your little one when you are in school. You can ask them to do it for free or at a small cost.