How do you manage pay for daycare?

[Mrs. Laurie]

I think parents have to realize that it is expensive to raise children whether you stay home with your children or if you work outside of the home. I think shopping around and checking out different providers is the best advice but TRY (I know it is hard) to not let money be your final vote because if you talk to the provider you really want to go to maybe she can work something out with you especially if she really wants you for her daycare. Sometimes a parent can ask for a sibling discount (it is hard though because we are only allowed 5 daycare children at any given time and this is a business we are running) or ask if you help by bringing your child's food or groceries every now and then for all the children as food is our biggest expense or if there is another service you can offer your provider. For example if you are an accountant you could do her taxes for her at income tax time, a mechanic could fix her van, a restaurant owner you could give her and her family free meals, a massage therapist okay you get the picture. So ask parents you never know what your provider will say but do keep in mind if she says no it is not personal it is business and she is not a horrible person and in daycare just for the money but she has a family to financially support too and it is a hard job but we do LOVE it!

Love: Mrs. Laurie