Cookie

Don't forget that you can submit your childcare receipts for tax credits so that helps a bit.

gryphea

I think the cost very much depends where you are headed.

Our daycare has a before and after school club. Don't know what the monthly is, think its around $575 but each drop in session is $25 (eg before school $25, after school $25).

They also do summer care at $200 a week (probably less for monthly) and my son (8 two days ago) went to two expensive summer camps, ~299 each. Last summer he did camps at the Y for around $165 per week, but they weren't good.

Of course, what helps is that these fees are recoverable against tax, so you will get some money back when you file.

Also I took some unpaid leave this summer.

gryphea

PS I work 4 short days a week so pick kids up from school. This also gives me the flexibility to change one day a week if kids are off etc.

I am lucky though- i just happened to turn up in Calgary where they were deparate for my skills. Wouldn't have been the same anywhere else as my feeling is canadains aren't that keen on part-timers compared with UK

TheThornes

Agreed, the money isn't fantastic but hey, at least I'm not spending it on childcare!

I don't know if it's the same with all school bus companies but here, you can take younger children on the bus with you. My youngest has just started Kindergarten doing half days only (afternoons) so still gets to ride with me in the mornings. Last year, when he was only at pre-school, he used to ride with me all the time. We're allowed to have 2 pre-schoolers ride with us if we wish. Some drivers have babies in car seats that they take on board with them too.

Lorna999

Our school has a programme called EXCEL that operates before and after school. This only operates during term time. In our area, we have a day camp at the local lake which is $10 a day. You do not have to book in advance, just turn up. It is great for ad hoc days in the summer! Also, the school bus stop is a great way to meet mums. I had offers of help within a few days of standing there! I know all areas are different, but I personally find my child care arrangements much easier here! It was always an expensive struggle in the uk. I feel liberated

linz3112

Thanks everyone for your replies, it seems that it may not be as complicated or expensive as i first feared!
I have now got some ideas of what to look for and also some job options that i never considered before!!
Many thanks

Linz
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