8 Ways To Save Money On Childcare In Chatswood
It is not uncommon to overhear parents exclaiming at the cost of childcare in Chatswood and across Australia. The concern is not totally baseless as childcare costs an average of $106.39 per day before subsidies. This means that you could end up spending half of your income on paying for your child upkeep. While this may seem manageable, it will leave you strained and lacking adequate funds for school when that time comes. That is why we took the time to share tips to help you save money as your child gets quality childcare. Read on to learn.
Make Inquiries
You do not have to struggle with staggering childcare bills when there are seasoned parents all around you. Ask for guidance on choosing the well-priced childcare facilities.
You could request for recommendations from friends, family members, workmates or your pediatrician. Let them tell you the cost experiences they have had with daycare centres and if they found the childcare quality offered worth the price.
When asking around is not an option, check online child care forums and reviews. This not only shines a light on the average costs but also keeps you from enrolling your child in overpriced facilities.
Think Through Your Options
Not all highly-priced child care facilities offer the best childcare in Chatswood. Some of the facilities that charge higher prices offer extra services that might not benefit your child.
Others have very modern and beneficial programs only that they may not be suitable for your child’s age. Some low-cost childcare providers may have fewer amenities but offer quality early childhood education.
So, before you make your choice, think through the available options and analyse if the services really add value to your child’s development.
Utilise Co-Parenting
A dependable spouse could help you save money on childcare in Chatswood. Instead of spending on outside school hours childcare, you can organise with your partner to have alternating shifts. For example, they can do early mornings and pick up children in the evenings while you drop your child off then work late nights.
Discuss The Charges With Caregivers
Just like with any other service provider, daycare centres have a list of things they are charging you for. Before you commit to paying any amount of money, go through their fees structure and determine if the listed services are worth the price tag.
In doing so, you will be able to identify hidden costs and unnecessary services such as transport if you live close enough or are able to drop off and pick your child up.
You can also identify a shady childcare provider if they are not ready to be transparent about their prices, saving you from walking into a financial trap.
Don’t Shy From Negotiation
Although they do not always provide you with this information, most childcare providers are ready to let you trim some of the costs. Other than care and quality early childhood education, you can negotiate on things like meals, excursions, costly learning models and even transport.
As long as you can provide cheaper alternatives and not disrupt your child’s learning, removing these extra charges from your total tally lightens the burden making childcare easier.
You can make arrangements to provide your child’s meals and have transport for them to and from the facility. Do not get carried away in negotiation and alternatives though as they might deny your child the chance to enjoy with other learners.
Try A Babysitter
If squeezing your work into fewer days or coming home early are not an option, think of bringing in a babysitter. This could be a friend, a sibling, your partner or even a student who is out to make an extra buck.
A babysitter comes in only when you need them and will charge you relatively low as they do not offer additional services such as education.
Instead of letting your child stay late at the childcare centre, arrange to have the babysitter pick them up at the usual pick up time and watch them until you come back from work. This reduces the extra charges by a considerable amount.
Ensure that the babysitter is compassionate about children and will offer them the attention they deserve.
Check The Child Care Subsidy
The Australian government, in an effort to promote quality childcare, offers all children under the age of 13 Child Care Subsidy CCS).
Like with any other government fund, CCS requires you to have met a set of requirements, some of which include:
- Full immunization for your child
- The use of an approved and registered childcare provider
- Care for your child at least 2 nights per two weeks
- Fully liable for paying the fees
Since CCS does not apply to all childcare facilities, it is your duty to find out if your chosen facility accepts this and how to be eligible. They can also help you with the necessary details for you to apply for and benefit from this program.
Adjust Your Schedule
Although many childcare providers operate on the 8 am to 5 pm schedule, a good number are open to working outside these hours at an extra cost. They put into consideration parents who work longer shifts and offer extra care in the evenings, during weekends and even during holidays.
As good as this is, extra care out of the usual operating hours will dig deep into your pockets. If you can, adjust your schedule to cut off these extra costs. Talk to your bosses or colleagues about coming to the office the five days a week and instead work around squeezing your work within three or four days.
Other than cutting on costs, this arrangement also creates more bonding time for you and your child. Be careful however not to push your colleagues to your schedule as your child business does not really concern them.
As evident in this guide, you do not have to dry all your savings in order to provide your child with the best childcare in Chatswood. Take your time and select a facility that offers your child quality early childhood education, supervision and skills without drying your coffers. If you are still lost, talk to caregivers from the best childcare in your region for more tips.
