Child day care services easily consume a significant portion of your budget. CostHelper.com notes that, in 2010, parents pay a nationally averaged cost of $611 per month for a 2-year-old child who requires full-time weekday care. This figure incorporates higher numbers for larger cities, such as New York and Boston, each with a $1,000-per-month average day care cost. In contrast, San Antonio, Texas, and Jackson, Mississippi, average $350 to $400 per month. It's important to locate an affordable day care center that still provides high-quality care for your child.
Step 1
Find a faith-based day care center. Ask local church or synagogue leaders if the worship center sponsors a day care or early learning center. Facilities are generally located on church property and are commonly open to all children, regardless of faith or background. Ask whether the center has a sliding-fee scale or other reduced-fee program.
Step 2
Speak to day care center directors about providing your child's day care through a barter arrangement. In return for the value of the day care services, for example, you could provide an equal amount of bookkeeping, landscaping or other specialized services. Establish a written barter agreement to clarify both parties' responsibilities.
Step 3
Call a local child care resource and referral center to inquire about financial assistance for your day care costs. The centers also furnish information on area child care resources as well as guidelines for choosing reputable child care providers, notes MetroDaycare.com.
Step 4
Call your state agency that oversees in-state early childhood and after-school programs. Ask agency personnel about sources and qualification requirements for day care expense sharing programs. Information is provided through the National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center, affiliated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Tips and Warnings
- Network with family, friends and colleagues. Utilize your personal and business relationships to locate referrals for in-home day care providers. Although these providers operate differently than larger day care facilities, the businesses must meet certain licensing criteria.
