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Rick Fingerman CFP, CDFA's Blog

Working moms that can't afford daycare

I'm wondering if anyone has some strategies for a working mom that doesn't have parents or friends close by to help watch her kids so she can work.

In this economy, many people have been laid off from their chosen profession and have had to cut out daycare. These women would be willing to take any job even if it meant a big cut in pay for the time being until the economy improved BUT can't work for $10 an hour when they have to pay daycare $15 an hour (or more)

What to do?

5 comments so far...

Thanks for the church idea. It's hard to find something affordable where one feels comfortable with the care. Cheap isn't always best. Even cheap can be difficult for some when there is zero income left over from a minimum wage type of job. If one has a network of friends that includes a stay at home mom, that could be the best option. Maybe one trades off and then sits for that person's kids one weekend night so she can go out.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Rick Fingerman CFP, CDFA on 15th November 2008
I agree. I feel sad when parents' economic situations do not even allow them the option to work in the first place. I would still ask around; one never knows. My daycare offers a sliding scale, for example, and even a "scholarship" of sorts, if I'm not mistaken. Maybe your client's school knows of some options, or if they worship, their local church. - Paula.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by tkd_mama on 11th November 2008
Well, the real issue is they have no income at the moment. If they get a $10 an hour job, that leaves little for daycare. I have clients that are fortunate to have a mom close by or are able to trade off with friends with other kids. Some just don't have that option. It's pretty sad.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Rick Fingerman CFP, CDFA on 11th November 2008
How unfortunate that daycare costs $15/hr around where this woman lives. Where I live, the daycare prices vary some, but nowhere near $15 an hour. (I don't know what a private nanny would cost, but I imagine it's a lot more than a daycare center.) Sometimes one has to choose a daycare option that is not perfect or with a gleaming facility or whatever. I pay $26 per day for a non-profit daycare. The building is old, the supplies are often donated, etc., but my son is safe and content there. You didn't indicate if you or this woman you know have fully researched the daycare options in the community. What about asking the school her child attends? They might be familiar with the less-expensive daycare options in the community for the families with lower incomes. Or ask a local Y. Or the churches.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by tkd_mama on 10th November 2008
My oldest daughter-I volunteered to watch her new and only son when she was ok to go back to work. For over the first year didn't receive anything so they could catch-up with their hospital and Dr. bills. ( my grandson was born 2 months early and my daughter had complications) But now- I usually "make" 40 -60$ a week. Not alot but every little bit helps us and makes it easy for her too.Just last week she told me she might not be able to give me as "much" as she was having problems having enough for the bills. Oh-I usually watch him 3 days a week for 4-5 hrs. a day. His Dad drops him off on his way to work and Mom picks him up on her way home. Some weeks might be an extra day or longer hrs. if Mom has to work late-but some weeks watch him less if I'm not needed. Gee- wish my Mom was living close when I had small children. I did have a neighbor help get one of my off to school years ago- it was a big help. Also most school (here they do) have before and after school programs for working parents.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by eileen b on 9th November 2008