Having children should not keep you from advancing in your career
Kathleen Walder, Monster contributor
A Washington Post poll found that 75% of mothers and 50% of fathers leave the workforce, take less demanding jobs, or work fewer hours to care for children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation went from bad to worse. While some parents were able to work from home, others faced shuttered daycare providers and school closings that forced an additional one in five working-age adults to choose childcare over a career.
Two factors influence the decision to downshift a career. Affordable childcare is the biggest factor. The cost of infant care ranges from $500 per month in Alabama to $2,020 per month in Washington D.C. For families that can afford daycare, it can be hard to find. Providers are full, and employees are scarce. The median salary for a childcare worker is less than $13 per hour—less than some fast-food jobs.
A lack of childcare is a huge barrier to employment for many working parents. But there are options. Let’s explore some affordable alternatives to daycare and take a look at ways to obtain financial help for childcare expenses.
Where to Find Affordable Childcare Alternatives
Searching for daycare openings can be disheartening. But keep in mind that you have many childcare choices beyond commercial childcare centers and several ways to reduce costs. Here are some ideas for safe and affordable care.
Community Resources
Libraries, YMCAs, and other nonprofit organizations in your community may offer affordable childcare or after-school programs. These programs often include enrichment activities like swimming, crafts, and reading.
Preschool Programs
Sometimes called pre-Kindergarten, preschool programs are for children from 3- to 5-years old. You can find more affordable childcare in preschools offered by your community’s schools, places of worship, nonprofit organizations, and childcare centers.
Babysitting Cooperative or Exchange
Families in your area can get together to form a daycare group. Each family takes a turn to watch the children in the group or exchange time one-on-one.
Head Start and Early Head Start
These two federally funded programs are free to low-income families. Along with providing care for children from infant to five years old, Head Start promotes school readiness, and many programs include medical and dental services, healthy meals and snacks, and safe indoor/outdoor play.
Vacation and Summer Programs
To bridge the gap when traditional school is not in session, vacation schools and summer camps are usually open to school-age children. You may find some for preschool as well. Typical summer day camp activities include physical activity, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and drama. You can even find some specialized camps for children interested in STEM programs. Start your search for summer programs at your local parks and recreation department.
Before- and After-School Programs
Elementary schools may offer care for students before and after the school day. They may also provide breakfast and after-school snacks. Contact your local school district to find out what’s offered in your area.
Company-Sponsored Childcare
To retain workers, some companies have set up in-house daycare. For example, a group of Amazon workers who call themselves “Momazonians” lobbied for their company to provide daycare similar to Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Some colleges and universities offer childcare on campus to students, faculty, and staff.
Room and Board Exchange
You can offer room and board to a college student or recent graduate in exchange for childcare. You can also go international and find an au pair who will work for pay or a room-and-board arrangement in the U.S. An au pair will often help with housekeeping, tutoring, caring for pets, and other household chores as well.
Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a database of childcare resources and information for every state. You can get information in person, by phone or email, and online. When you go to childcare.gov and select your state, you will be able to search for childcare providers and programs and see a list of resources that include information about childcare licensing and regulations, advice on choosing a provider, and links to financial assistance programs.
Flexible Jobs
There are more options than ever for finding a flexible job that will allow you to work around your child’s schedule:
- Reducing your hours or finding a part-time job can help you match your working hours to your child’s schedule.
- A job where you can work from home, at least a couple days a week, can lessen your daycare expenses. If your employer has not set up a work from home policy, ask if you can help establish one.
- The ultimate way to work from home is a fully remote job. Remote jobs allow you to be miles or countries away from your employer, connecting with your coworkers via Zoom, email, and text while keeping an eye on your little ones.
Help With Childcare Expenses
You can also obtain assistance paying for childcare through your employer or government.
Employer Flexible Spending Accounts
If your employer offers an FSA, see if it applies to dependent care. Some plans can reimburse you for childcare expenses.
Tax Credits
The earned income tax credit can reduce your tax bill or increase your refund, so you have extra money to put toward childcare.
Military Childcare Financial Assistance
Several programs can help military families find and pay for childcare. MilitaryChildCare.com is a clearinghouse for many types of childcare worldwide and uses a sliding fee scale based on family income. Each branch of the U.S. military offers childcare fee assistance.
Monster Can Help You Jump Back Into Your Career
Monster is committed to helping you find a job that is the right fit for you, whether it’s a part-time, work-from-home, or remote position. Once you’ve found affordable childcare or your children have grown, get ready to re-enter the workforce with help from Monster. The best way to start finding opportunities is by creating your Monster Profile. It will fast-track you to be seen by recruiters and employers. We’ll also send you job postings and career advice based on your preferences. Be assured that no matter what you face regarding childcare and jobs, we’ve got you!
<h1>Want to Return to Work? Here’s How to Find Affordable Childcare</h1>
<h3>Having children should not keep you from advancing in your career</h3>
<p>Kathleen Walder, Monster contributor</p>
<p>A <a title=”The Surprising Number of Parents Scaling Back at Work to Care for Kids | WashingtonPost.com” href=”https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/the-surprising-number-of-moms-and-dads-scaling-back-at-work-to-care-for-their-kids/2015/08/06/c7134c50-3ab7-11e5-b3ac-8a79bc44e5e2_story.html” target=”_blank”>Washington Post poll</a> found that 75% of mothers and 50% of fathers leave the workforce, take less demanding jobs, or work fewer hours <a title=”What Happens When Parents Leave the Workforce Because They Cannot Afford Child Care? | Interactives.AmericanProgress.org” href=”https://interactives.americanprogress.org/childcarecosts/?_ga=2.83979033.1643125164.1648659266-1545031646.1648659265″ target=”_blank”>to care for children</a>. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation went from bad to worse. While some parents were able to <a title=”How to Work From Home With Kids | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/work-from-home-with-kids” target=”_blank”>work from home</a>, others faced shuttered daycare providers and school closings that forced an <a title=”Parents Juggle Work and Child Care During Pandemic | Census.gov” href=”https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/08/parents-juggle-work-and-child-care-during-pandemic.html” target=”_blank”>additional one in five working-age adults</a> to choose childcare over a career.</p>
<p>Two factors influence the decision to downshift a career. Affordable childcare is the biggest factor. The <a title=”Child Care Costs in the United States | EPI.org” href=”https://www.epi.org/child-care-costs-in-the-united-states/#/AL” target=”_blank”>cost of infant care</a> ranges from $500 per month in Alabama to $2,020 per month in Washington D.C. For families that can afford daycare, it can be <a title=”The Child Care Crisis Is Keeping Women Out of the Workforce | AmericanProgress.org” href=”https://www.americanprogress.org/article/child-care-crisis-keeping-women-workforce/” target=”_blank”>hard to find</a>. Providers are full, and employees are scarce. The median salary for a childcare worker is <a title=”Preschool Childcare Jobs | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/salary/q-preschool-childcare-teacher-salary” target=”_blank”>less than $13 per hour</a>—less than some <a title=”Fast Food Jobs | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/salary/q-food-service-team-member-salary” target=”_blank”>fast-food jobs</a>.</p>
<p>A lack of childcare is a huge barrier to employment for many working parents. But there are options. Let’s explore some affordable alternatives to daycare and take a look at ways to obtain financial help for childcare expenses.</p>
<h2><strong>Where to Find Affordable Childcare Alternatives</strong></h2>
<p>Searching for daycare openings can be disheartening. But keep in mind that you have many childcare choices beyond commercial childcare centers and several ways to reduce costs. Here are some ideas for safe and affordable care.</p>
<h3>Community Resources</h3>
<p>Libraries, YMCAs, and other nonprofit organizations in your community may offer affordable childcare or after-school programs. These programs often include enrichment activities like swimming, crafts, and reading.</p>
<h3>Preschool Programs</h3>
<p>Sometimes called pre-Kindergarten, preschool programs are for children from 3- to 5-years old. You can find more affordable childcare in preschools offered by your community’s schools, places of worship, nonprofit organizations, and childcare centers.</p>
<h3>Babysitting Cooperative or Exchange</h3>
<p>Families in your area can get together to <a title=”What is Komae? | MyKomae.com” href=”https://www.mykomae.com/” target=”_blank”>form a daycare group</a>. Each family takes a turn to watch the children in the group or exchange time one-on-one.</p>
<h3>Head Start and Early Head Start</h3>
<p>These two federally funded programs are free to low-income families. Along with providing care for children from infant to five years old, <a title=”Office of Head Start (OHS) | ECLKC.OHS.ACF.HHS.gov” href=”https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/about-us/article/office-head-start-ohs” target=”_blank”>Head Start</a> promotes school readiness, and many programs include medical and dental services, healthy meals and snacks, and safe indoor/outdoor play.</p>
<h3>Vacation and Summer Programs</h3>
<p>To bridge the gap when traditional school is not in session, vacation schools and <a title=”Find Your Perfect Fall, Winter and Summer Camp! | SummerCamps.com” href=”https://www.summercamps.com/” target=”_blank”>summer camps</a> are usually open to school-age children. You may find some for preschool as well. Typical summer day camp activities include physical activity, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and drama. You can even find some specialized camps for children interested in <a title=”The Magic of ID Tech Is Back – On Campus! | IDTech.com” href=”https://www.idtech.com/on-campus?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=stem%20summer%20camp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-tin5Ybx9gIVHXFvBB2t6AzEEAAYASAAEgIbU_D_BwE” target=”_blank”>STEM programs</a>. Start your search for summer programs at your local parks and recreation department.</p>
<h3>Before- and After-School Programs</h3>
<p>Elementary schools may offer care for students before and after the school day. They may also provide breakfast and after-school snacks. Contact your local school district to find out what’s offered in your area.</p>
<h3>Company-Sponsored Childcare </h3>
<p>To retain workers, some companies have set up in-house daycare. For example, a group of Amazon workers who <a title=”The Child Care Crisis Is Keeping Women Out of the Workforce | AmericanProgress.org” href=”https://www.americanprogress.org/article/child-care-crisis-keeping-women-workforce/” target=”_blank”>call themselves “Momazonians”</a> lobbied for their company to provide daycare similar to Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Some colleges and universities offer childcare on campus to students, faculty, and staff.</p>
<h3>Room and Board Exchange</h3>
<p>You can offer room and board to a college student or recent graduate in exchange for childcare. You can also go international and <a title=”Find Your AU Pair or Your Host Family Safe & Easy! | AUPair.com” href=”http://aupair.com/” target=”_blank”>find an au pair</a> who will work for pay or a room-and-board arrangement in the U.S. An au pair will often help with housekeeping, tutoring, caring for pets, and other household chores as well.</p>
<h3>Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs)</h3>
<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a database of childcare resources and information for every state. You can get information in person, by phone or email, and online. When you go to <a title=”See Your State’s Resources | Childcare.gov” href=”https://childcare.gov/state-resources-home” target=”_blank”>childcare.gov</a> and select your state, you will be able to search for childcare providers and programs and see a list of resources that include information about childcare licensing and regulations, advice on choosing a provider, and links to financial assistance programs.</p>
<h3>Flexible Jobs</h3>
<p>There are more options than ever for finding a flexible job that will allow you to work around your child’s schedule:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reducing your hours or finding a <a title=”Part Time Jobs | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/jobs/q-part-time-jobs” target=”_blank”>part-time job</a> can help you match your working hours to your child’s schedule.</li>
<li>A job where you can <a title=”Work From Home Jobs | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/jobs/q-work-from-home-jobs” target=”_blank”>work from home</a>, at least a couple days a week, can lessen your daycare expenses. If your employer has not set up a work from home policy, ask if you can help establish one.</li>
<li>The ultimate way to work from home is <a title=”Remote Jobs | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/jobs/q-remote-jobs” target=”_blank”>a fully remote job</a>. Remote jobs allow you to be miles or countries away from your employer, connecting with your coworkers via Zoom, email, and text while keeping an eye on your little ones.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Help With Childcare Expenses</strong></h2>
<p>You can also obtain assistance paying for childcare through your employer or government.</p>
<h3>Employer Flexible Spending Accounts</h3>
<p>If your <a title=”Benefits of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/flexible-spending-account-benefits” target=”_blank”>employer offers an FSA</a>, see if it applies to dependent care. Some plans can reimburse you for childcare expenses.</p>
<h3>Tax Credits</h3>
<p>The <a title=”Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | IRS.gov” href=”https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc” target=”_blank”>earned income tax credit</a> can reduce your tax bill or increase your refund, so you have extra money to put toward childcare.</p>
<h3>Military Childcare Financial Assistance</h3>
<p>Several programs can help military families find and pay for childcare. <a title=”Easy Access to Childcare | MilitaryChildcare.com” href=”https://militarychildcare.com/” target=”_blank”>MilitaryChildCare.com</a> is a clearinghouse for many types of childcare worldwide and uses a sliding fee scale based on family income. Each branch of the U.S. military <a title=”Child Care Financial Assistance for Military Families | Childcare.gov” href=”https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/military-child-care-fee-assistance-programs” target=”_blank”>offers childcare fee assistance</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Monster Can Help You Jump Back Into Your Career</strong></h2>
<p>Monster is committed to helping you find a job that is the right fit for you, whether it’s a part-time, work-from-home, or remote position. Once you’ve found affordable childcare or your children have grown, get ready to re-enter the workforce with help from Monster. The best way to start finding opportunities is by <a title=”Your Profile | Monster.com” href=”https://www.monster.com/profile/detail” target=”_blank”>creating your Monster Profile</a>. It will fast-track you to be seen by recruiters and employers. We’ll also send you job postings and career advice based on your preferences. Be assured that no matter what you face regarding childcare and jobs, we’ve got you!</p>
Kathleen Walder Portfolio 