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Michelle Barbee
The best childcare is affordable, convenient, safe, nurturing, and educational and has a low child-adult ratio. Daycare centers, home daycares and nannies can all fit these criteria, but many parents don’t even consider a nanny as a child care option for their children. Parents often believe a nanny is too expensive and are surprised by how affordable a nanny can be.
In some situations, a nanny is the most affordable childcare option. For instance, if a family has three or more young children, a daycare center would be more expensive than a nanny. If a family only needs part-time childcare, a nanny can be less expensive than a daycare center with the added benefit of some light housekeeping. A nanny can also be the most flexible childcare option if you need transportation for your children or if you need extended care.
To lower costs further, parents should consider a live in nanny or an au pair. Her or his wages are lower in return for free rent and meals. Another option is allowing a nanny to bring her or his own child along in return for a reduced wage. If part-time care is needed, nanny-sharing with another nearby family can decrease costs as well.
Due to current economic circumstances, there are many experienced nannies looking for employment. With rates around Dallas starting at $10/hr or less, this may be the perfect time to hire a nanny.
Comments
I used Cultural Care Au Pair and had a great experience. It was the most affordable and flexible child care option that I could find. I have hosted 2 au pairs from Germany and there were fantastic! They were like a member of our family and my daughter loved them!
I have tried both daycare and the au pair program and would definitely say that the au pair is the way to go! We have been a host family with Cultural Care Au Pair and we have hosted 5 au pairs from Germany, Russia and Columbia and there is no childcare like it! As full time working parents, not only is it affordable for us (we pay an average of $320 a week for 2 children), we truly enjoy live-in childcare and the flexibility of the au pair hours, as we set our own hours which include weekend nights and several date nights a month. Also the cultural experience that my children receive is wonderful…..my children get a “new big sister” to play with, they are learning new languages and we get to try foods from 3 different countries! I would prefer an au pair all the way – for our family having an au pair has been the best and rewarding option! Kj247@comcast.net
I have been using Cultural Care Aupair for 2 years now and am extremely happy. I have 2 children and it is by far the most affordable childcare. Having someone live in my home and take care of the children is great. In the wintertime you don't have to drag them out early in the morning in the cold and when they are sick someone is there. I would totally recommend Cultural Care Aupair!
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