Day Care Savings

Answer 1

Reduce rising day care cost with the listed practical suggestions.

Kid Kare Inc.

Compare the cost and reputation of franchised day care facilities. These centers can charge different rates depending on location, services, and other operational factors. Find out if the center near work has a better price than the location closer to home.

Meet the manager or owner of the center and get a complete list of cost. Ask about late pickup fees, cancellation fees, extracurricular activities, food, and emergency response cost.

Avoid expensive late pickup fees. Ask a neighbor or relative to pickup children when you can’t get to the center on time. Ask how billing is handled for vacation time, holidays, and sick days.

Licensed Provider

Opt for licensed, in-home day care. Someone operating her own in-home childcare is not bound by the terms of a franchise, and can negotiate prices and terms of care. Choose a provider in your neighborhood to save on gas and time.

Private Sitter

Get referrals from friends and family about private sitters in your area. Generally the least expensive and informal option, a written agreement with the sitter can help minimize misunderstandings.

Retired relatives and other family members are an easy choice for childcare, but problems can arise. Don’t leave things to chance; be thorough about your childcare needs when you ask a relative of friend to provide childcare. And, have a backup plan available when a private sitter can’t sit.