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child care for special needs kids

Having a special needs child comes with an extreme level of responsibility, and oftentimes, more expenses. So, what do you do when you have to go to work and need someone to care for your child? I struggled with this for about two years before I couldn't financially stay home with my son any longer. I spent a lot of time looking for information about finding the right child care center for my son and what I could do to prepare him for the transition from home to the center. On this blog you will find tips that can help the process go much smoother for you and your child.

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child care for special needs kids

4 Tips to Help You Afford Child Care

by Sid Van Minnen

Child care can increase a family's quality of life. Reliable child care allows both parents to work. It can also give parents a break from the full-time job of childrearing. However, child care is an additional expense. If money is tight, you may be concerned that you can't afford to send your child to preschool. Fortunately, there are options available. Here are four tips that can help you afford child care:

1. Take advantage of half-day programs.

Some preschools offer half-day programs for parents who'd like to spend more time with their children. Sending your child to preschool for half the day is an inexpensive option that can help you afford child care. You can choose whether to send your child to preschool during the morning or afternoon. This is a great option for anyone who works part-time or anyone who works irregular hours.

2. Find out if you qualify for financial aid.

Some child care centers offer financial aid for families with lower incomes. If you're concerned about being able to afford preschool, it's worth inquiring to find out if any such programs are available. Some preschools offer sliding scale payment that will allow you to pay a price that fits within your means. Financial aid can help you afford to send your child to an excellent preschool.

3. Compare the price of various preschools.

Preschools differ in their educational approach and layout. They can also carry very different price tags. If you're looking for child care on a budget, take the time to shop around. Research the costs of various preschools in your area, and don't be hesitant to expand your search. The cost of child care can vary by neighborhood, so you may want to look outside your immediate area. Comparative shopping can help you find affordable child care.

4. Skip the summer sessions.

Some preschools operate all year long, but others operate on the same schedule as typical schools. By sending your child to preschool from August to May and skipping the summer session, you can save money. Children will still get all the benefits of preschool if they skip a few months. They will still learn, make friends, and gain confidence. Many parents enjoy having their children home for the summer because it allows for more family bonding time.

Child care can be affordable. You can still send your child to an excellent preschool when you're working on a budget. Contact various child care centers to learn more. 

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