If you only need childcare for 2-3 days per week

how did you do it? Daycare center or in home provider and how did you find them? I'm not sure where to start. We're trying to figure out if it makes sense for me to go back to work a couple of days per week, but I'm afraid that the cost of child care will outweigh or at least counter the amount I can make in just a couple of days.

Re: If you only need childcare for 2-3 days per week

I had a friend and a cousin babysit 3 day a week when I was working fulltime. I had a hard time finding someone to do the 3 days in my home when I no longer had the friend and cousin as an option (but I also have long hours 630am -7pm) thus adding to my decision to be a SAHM (for the most part - I work one day a week now) Right now I have family helping for the one day but am actively looking for someone to take over and I am having a very hard time.

I was talking to some of the nannies in my neighborhood (most people in my neighborhood have live ins) and they said that there are a lot of people out there who are looking for part time. Do you have nannies in your neighborhood? they may be a good reference - since they seem to have a network system going on...my issue is most of the them need to be reliant on LIRR and don't drive and I didn't want to deal with that either.

Also talk to your neighbors as mush as possible. I know my older woman neighbor told me about a woman who does in home day care a town over from me and her duaghter uses them and she does parttime.

Re: If you only need childcare for 2-3 days per week

I am currently in this situation right now. There are some daycare centers that do 2-3 day a week programs. I checked out the ones local to me and they are anywhere from $600-$750 (per month) for 2 days a week, $800-$950 for 3 days a week for 8-9 hour days. Try to talk to your neighbor's or church members for leads on sitters. I just found one willing to do 2 days a week in her home with other kids and she charges $6 an hour. Its best to get a reference from someone if possible, since alot of sitters dont really advertise.

Re: If you only need childcare for 2-3 days per week

That's the problem I'm having is that most nannies don't advertise and we don't have a source for referrals as of yet. I'll keep my ears and eyes open.

Re: If you only need childcare for 2-3 days per week

The YMCA in Huntington has a program 830-430 2,3, or 5 days/week, but the baby has to be 2. Thats what I am hoping/waiting for, until then my dad has been watching the baby