How to Afford Daycare When You’re on a Budget

Ensuring your children are safe and well taken care of is essential to parents but finding affordable childcare can be challenging. As the cost-of-living rises, it’s become even more complicated, and many parents wonder how to afford daycare. These suggestions offer solutions that may work for your family and help you find the affordable daycare you need.

Work Opposite Shifts

One arrangement that can work when you have a two-parent household is scheduling opposing shifts. For example, one parent works during the day while the other works at night. This arrangement can be challenging because you may not get to spend much time together as a family, but if your employer is willing to work with you to arrange this type of schedule, it’s worth a try.

Work Remotely

More and more people are working from home these days, primarily because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer service positions, medical billing, and IT careers are good fields to get into if you want to work at home. This scenario usually works well for those whose children are of school age, as taking care of an infant or toddler while you’re trying to work can be challenging.

Ask for Help from Family and Friends

Another way to afford daycare is asking grandparents, siblings, or other family members and friends you trust to watch your children while you’re at work. It can add significant savings even if it’s only one or two days a week. Offering to trade off watching each other’s kids can be a situation that benefits everyone involved. This type of arrangement gives you peace of mind as well, knowing your children are being taken care of by someone who cares about them.

Preschool

Early preschool and Head Start programs can be invaluable resources for working parents. Many are funded locally or on a state level and offer free or low-cost preschool and childcare. Preschool also enables small children to socialize with peers and learn basic skills that prepare them for kindergarten.

Government Childcare Subsidies

Depending on your income, you may qualify for federal or state childcare subsidies. For more information on state childcare assistance programs, visit childcare.gov.

Consider a Signature Loan

Some months you may need a little extra to help pay for daycare and other living expenses. Dollar Loan Center offers short-term signature loans with competitive interest rates if you’re still wondering how to afford daycare. It’s super easy to apply online, and funds can be deposited directly into your checking account or a debit card so that you can use them within seconds.