There is a childcare affordability crisis in our nation, and it’s hurting working parents financially. Childcare has gotten so expensive that many parents have had to leave the workforce and remaining working parents struggle to afford childcare and other expenses such as utilities and rent. It is usually lower-income families and people of color who struggle the most with childcare affordability, and this causes them to not advance in their careers. As a result, they have to rely on government benefits such as SNAP and WIC to get by. If you’re a working parent who needs quality childcare, here are a few childcare options for working parents.
Apply for Head Start
Low-income families can enroll their three and four-year-olds in a local Head Start program. The waiting lists for Head Start can be long so it’s best to apply as early as possible, even before your child reaches the required age to enroll. You can apply by visiting a local Head Start center and submitting any required documents such as a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of residency.
Enroll in Your Employer’s Dependent Care FSA Account
If your employer offers a dependent care flexible spending account, enroll in it. The dependent care flexible spending account allows you to contribute money for daycare expenses, preschool, summer camp, and any other child-related expenses. The funds you contribute to this account are also not subject to payroll taxes.
Let Relatives Watch Your Child
This is one of the most affordable childcare options for working parents. If you’re currently looking for a new job, consider relocating to a city where you’ll be closer to your extended family. This means that you’ll have someone available to watch your child while you work. If you live near relatives, ask if they can watch your child on certain days of the week.
Check Out the YMCA
Local YMCA childcare centers are also one of several good childcare options for working parents. Visit the YMCA’s website and find your local YMCA centers. Contact each center to find out if they offer childcare services and how much do they cost.
Search for a Fully Remote Job
Maybe you want to stay home with your kids to save money on childcare but you need the income. While you’re working outside the home, look for a fully remote job on your days off and at night while the kids are sleeping. Securing a remote job lets you stay home and you may even use the income from this job to start a profitable online business.
Contact Churches and Community Centers
Some churches and community centers offer daycare services. Contact churches and community centers in your area and inquire about their daycare services. Compare prices and pick an affordable choice but also focus on the quality of each center’s services.
Request a Flexible Working Schedule
Another option is to request a flexible working schedule. Study your employer’s policies on flexible working schedules to see the guidelines for receiving them. Speak with coworkers who requested flexible working schedules and ask how they approached your supervisor with the topic. Also, ask them what their flexible schedules looked like during the week. This gives you an idea of what to expect if the supervisor approves you.
Once you meet with your supervisor, discuss how you will still be productive and manage your tasks under your new schedule. Your supervisor wants to ensure you won’t fall behind on your work with the new hours. Be prepared to negotiate the terms of a more flexible schedule and one way to do this is to do a trial period to show your supervisor that you can still perform your duties well under the new schedule.
After-School Childcare Options
Some working parents have to work during after-school hours and need options for their kids during this time. Some schools offer after-school care for a monthly or weekly fee so ask your child’s school principal if they have it. Your older kids can join an extracurricular activity that they like and this gives them something to do after school until you get off work. If your child is in college and lives at home, pay him to care for his siblings on certain afternoons after school.
Look Into the Childcare Assistance Program From Your State
Many states offer the Childcare Assistance Program. This program offers financial assistance to working parents who struggle to pay for childcare. Every state has its guidelines so refer to your state’s Department of Child and Family Services for requirements. Some states have waiting lists and if you live in a state that does, get on the waiting list to increase your chances of getting the help you need.
Open a Savings Account for Your Childcare Expenses While He Is A Baby
Get a head start on childcare expenses while your child is still a baby by opening a specific savings account for childcare expenses now. Automate a portion of your paycheck into this account every pay period. By doing this early, you’ll have the necessary funds when it’s time to pay for childcare.
A Reliable and Trustworthy Babysitter
Another option is to hire a reliable and trustworthy babysitter. Ask relatives and close friends if there are any babysitters they know who are experienced, reliable, and trustworthy. Always interview multiple babysitters before you choose one. You should ask about the babysitter’s previous work experience and obtain referrals. Look for a babysitter who has training in CPR, first aid, and other training related to the job.
Work For A Company That Has Employer-Based Childcare Options
More companies are offering childcare options and subsidies for their employees, and if you’re currently seeking a new job, look for a company with childcare benefits. Some of the companies that have childcare benefits are:
- Aflac
- Citi
- Publix
- Intuit
- Bank of America
- Carnival
- Best Buy
As childcare costs continue to rise, it’s important to budget for them if you’re a new parent. Weigh all of these options and choose the ones that are the most affordable and available to you.
