If you’re a working parent, you probably already know the struggle of balancing work and child care. After paid (or, more likely, unpaid) leave, many new moms and dads need to find daycares, programs, and other child care options that are safe, reliable, and don’t cost their entire salary.
Not all of us have friends and family who can routinely watch the kids. Finding affordable, quality child care without a village feels like hunting for a unicorn. Plus, child care isn’t cheap. The average annual cost of child care in the US ranges from $5,357 to $17,171, depending on the age of the child. And those numbers might seem low if you live in a coastal or highly populated area. But here is some practical advice to help you uncover affordable child care.
1. Embrace Assistance Programs
You don’t have to go broke to afford child care. Several government assistance programs help subsidies the cost like:
- Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF): The CCDF is a federal program that funds states, territories, and tribes to help low-income families access child care. Parents must typically work, attend school, or enroll in a job training program. Income limits apply, and priority is often given to families with children under the age of 13.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: Head Start is a federally funded program that promotes school readiness for children under five from low-income families and provides services to pregnant women. These programs offer comprehensive services, including early childhood education, health screenings, nutrition, and parental support.
- Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: This federal tax credit helps working parents offset the cost of child care for children under 13. The credit can be claimed on your annual tax return and is worth a percentage of your qualifying child care expenses.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF is a federal program that provides temporary financial assistance to needy families, including child care support. States have flexibility in using TANF funds, and many allocate part of their funding to child care subsidies.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training: Some states offer child care assistance through the SNAP Employment and Training program, which helps SNAP recipients gain the skills they need for employment.
- State-Specific Child Care Assistance Programs: Many states have their own child care assistance programs, funded by both state and federal money. These programs often mirror the CCDF but may have different eligibility requirements or benefits.
2. Compare Costs and Evaluate Care Facilities
Not all child care options are created equal, and neither are their prices. Do some homework, and you might be surprised by what you find. Compare the costs of different facilities, home daycares, and nannies.
Some child care facilities provide meals and snacks, which can shave a little off of your grocery budget. And some places give you a discount for enrolling multiple children. You may even get a discount if you recommend someone else and they enroll as well.
Quality matters, of course. You want your kid in a safe, nurturing environment. So, the cheapest option may not be the best.
Visit potential child care facilities and ask all the questions—about their staff-to-child ratio, safety protocols, daily routines, and educational activities. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. It’s your right to be picky when it comes to your child’s well-being.
3. Network Like Your Life Depends On It
Your network is your net worth, or however that saying goes. Talk to other parents, friends, and family about their child care solutions and recommendations. Sometimes, word of mouth can lead you to hidden gems that aren’t even on the radar.
Websites or even your local parenting social media groups can be goldmines for this kind of info. Sometimes, a home daycare run by a seasoned caregiver can be more affordable than a fancy daycare center and just as reliable.
Plus, you might find a parent co-op where you trade babysitting duties with other parents or share a babysitter—talk about a win-win. You’re not alone in this. Many other parents are juggling work and child care, and some of them may be within a 5-mile radius of you.
4. Flexibility is Key
Consider flexible work arrangements. Many employers are more open to remote work or flexible hours these days.
If you can swing it, working from home a few days a week or adjusting your hours can save on child care costs and give you more time with your little ones. Talk with your employer—it never hurts to ask.
And just because you’re working from home with kids doesn’t mean you can’t focus on work. If your kids are little distractions, consider hiring a local teenager or tween to keep them occupied in another room. An hourly sitter can be cheaper than a licensed day care.
5. Leverage Tax Benefits
Don’t leave money on the table. If your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), take advantage of it. You can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for child care expenses, which means more money in your pocket.
6. Look For Free or Low-Cost Activities
If your older kids are interested in sports, music, or joining a club, there are many budget-friendly options available that can provide them with enriching experiences. Participating in community leagues, school-based programs, or local clubs often comes with minimal fees, especially when compared to private lessons or competitive teams.
Many communities offer free or low-cost extracurricular programs through parks and recreation departments, libraries, or nonprofit organizations. Additionally, schools often have clubs and activities that are either free or require a small participation fee, such as drama, debate, robotics, or student government.
For families on a budget, these options can be a great way to ensure children stay active, social, and involved without the financial strain that often comes with more expensive programs. Plus, being part of a team or club helps kids learn important life skills, such as teamwork, responsibility, and time management, all while having fun and pursuing their interests.
7. Plan for the Unexpected
Life happens, and sometimes your regular child care arrangements will fall through. Have a backup plan. This could be a trusted neighbor, a family member, or even a reliable babysitter you can call in a pinch. Having a Plan B (and C) can save you a lot of stress when things go sideways.
8. Stay Optimistic and Realistic
Finding affordable, quality child care is no small feat, but it’s doable. Stay optimistic but also realistic about your options and limitations. It might take some time and effort, but with persistence and a bit of creativity, you can find a solution that works for you and your family.
