Trying to match a childcare service to your needs does not mean sacrificing the care your child deserves. One facility may match everything you require, but the prices could be out of your budget. However, child care assistance in Albuquerque is not out of reach. Several facilities in the Albuquerque area are ready to work with your budget. There are some tips and tricks you can keep up your sleeve when looking for more affordable options for daycare.

Apply for Childcare Assistance

You can reach out to the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care department for child care assistance. Their Child Care Assistant Program subsidizes the cost of child care for families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. This currently translates to $52,400 for a family of four. These are families that are working or still in school. The subsidy amount varies depending on the child’s age, type of child care needed, the program’s location, and program’s rating. The application process is easy, and department representatives work closely with families to ensure appropriate coverage.

Make a Plan

Reach out to a financial advisor about supplementing any funds allocated to child care. There are also budget worksheets available online so you can start resolving your budget to support these services. Your bank is more than eager to help you boost your savings in the long run to further your plan. Do not be afraid to reach out to Albuquerque caregivers or other parents for advice, as well. Everyone wants the best for the families around them. They probably had to make plans at one time and will be happy to pass along what they learned.

Comparison Shop

Take your time and never give up. Comparison shopping requires some research and homework but is incredibly effective. When you find programs with flexible plans, subsidy allowance, or willingness to help, the hunt will have been worth it. Wonderschool is one of many services that can assist you in finding the right center that compliments your child’s needs. Make a list as you go!

Pods

Parents have started turning to in-home care as an affordable means of childcare for their children. The most popular of these methods involve “pods.” These childcare pods are comprised of two or more families that interchange and share responsibilities. It is an effective way of parents connecting and working together to further their children’s care while on a budget. Pods also give parents direct control over who their children get to spend time with. This can mean children of similar ages, interests, and needs get to be together. Parents can dodge burnout, navigate schedules, and keep children engaged with one another.

Check In With The Everyday

Where you work and where you workout sometimes have child care options for parents and members. Many complexes have on-site child care options and may offer a discount or roll fees into your benefits. When you check in with HR about available child care, you can also look into additional reimbursements. These benefits sometimes include educational assistance, gym memberships, transportation benefits, and more. In turn, these can help you cut costs, so you can focus on child care. If you have a gym membership, see if your gym offers child care services. Local clubs are also excellent options to consider when on the hunt for lower cost child care.

At Wonderschool, we know and have experience in finding services that match child care budgets. To find affordable child care in Albuquerque, NM, look no further. We work with parents to match their needs both financially and for their children. The services we connect families to are all vetted to match our high-quality standards for care. That way, you know your children are in the right hands when you need them most.