Single moms can absolutely find affordable childcare for their neurodivergent kids, you just need to know where to look. Luckily, you have me! I'm here to bestow my wisdom upon you, like some sort of Oracle. Or, you know just like a Mom friend. That works too.
First off, I do want to say that there are government assistance programs that you may qualify for. You can find more about government assistance by checking out this article on Free Childcare Assistance for Single Moms. Here is another great article about government assistance for single moms. If you don't qualify for any of those programs, but still would like affordable childcare, read on!
Other Moms
My number one tip for single moms finding affordable childcare is other moms! Look at Facebook groups for local moms of special needs kids or homeschooling moms. Homeschooling moms are usually around during the day and also may have experience With managing a group of kids with unique needs..
Talk to your mom friends who know your family and ask if they'd be interested in paid babysitting. You can also look into in home daycares, which have other children there, including the babysitters own kids. Since she's watching lots of kids, the cost is lower than a nanny or Babysitter dedicated to just your kid. Different areas may have different costs but I've seen this around $25-30 For a half day and $50-60 for a full day. You might want to offer a similar amount to your mom friends or other moms you find in groups that may not have a home daycare established.
College Students Can Help Single Moms Find Affordable Childcare
During the summer and school breaks there are lots of college students looking for money and experience. Some students go to local community colleges or universities and are looking for work year round. You want to search out those studying special education or social work/psychology. You can contact the colleges to see if they have an online job board for students in that department. Or sometimes an instructor/professor will know of some students who are open to working. Sometimes college students will charge less than full time nannies but it really varies.
Special Needs Groups
For single moms to find affordable childcare, look for local Meetup groups or online groups of special needs kids. They even have special needs nights at local children's museums or play places. This way, you can meet other special needs families. And either they can babysit for you or recommend a sitter they use. Yes, I know this topic is similar to the other moms part but it's talking about special needs nights, which is a separate thing. Also, I like how you're paying attention, you go, Glen Coco!
Park District
Part A)
Many people don't know this but you can sign your kid up for the local park district summer camp or after school program and….wait for it… The District usually offers an aide for free! Usually you can tell them that your child needs extra help and they can reach out to the groups that schedule aides. They're really helpful on knowing when to hang back to let the kid do her own thing and come closer when the Kid needs help. Ours even talked with me on the phone to discuss what the child's experience usually is like!
Part Deux
Lots of regions, towns or counties have their own special needs park district. Usually the child might have to have an IEP that outlines their needs so the group can determine that they need their programs and what they'd need for assistance. These groups have sports, after school programs, summer camps and lots of things. It's not free but is usually pretty affordable. You can search online for your county special needs park district or ask your towns park district for the contract info.
Vacation Bible School
Ok so hear me out…. This one might not be for everyone. But if your kid is higher functioning, this could be an option. You don't have to belong to that church or even be that religion. As long as you're not offended by hearing religious stuff and your kid taught it. Look this can even work For ADHD kids because they sing lots of songs and do lots of active movements and activities. They also switch between different rooms and activities often so they don't need a long attention span to participate.
Church Groups Can Help Single Moms Find Affordable Childcare
Which leads me to my next idea, church groups! Lots but not all churches have special ministries for disabled kids. Some of them have ministries for deaf people. While not all of them are exactly for kids with ADHD, they may have *actual* playground equipment in the church. Yes, for real, climbing jungle gyms and slides! Some of these open up the playground throughout the week, so kids can get their energy out in any weather!
Yes some of the churches only have the childcare during church services but you never know! Some might have a moms day out during the week. Or, you can ask them to start providing some childcare during the week.
The Gym
Ok for single moms to find affordable childcare, initially you may think this is not the greatest idea for childcare. Also, the gyms that have childcare are sometimes the fancy expensive ones, maybe even $160-200 a month! Lady, that's not affordable and I'm not doing it!
Relax, chica! You can read up about what amenities some gyms have in this post I did. Listen Up: most fancy gyms allow childcare of 2.5-3 hours every day! Every. Day.
Are you ready for some math? If you use it only twice a week, for 2.5 hours each, and your membership costs $160 per month, that's $8 per hour for childcare. You can't get a babysitter for that! And that's not even counting the other amenities the gym provides! If you go to that same gym 5 times per week, it's only $3.20 an hour! That's so cheap! And depending on the gym, they may even have super activities for kids….kids with ADHD and sensory issues will benefit greatly because these activities, like rock climbing, swim camps, tumbling, etc involve using large muscle groups! That's what most of them need! Parts of this post, like this part right now, I wrote while at my gym!
Hasta la vista baby!
Have you figured out yet that I'm turning you into a networking automaton like some kind of special needs terminator!!? Say hasta la vista, baby to your old life of not talking to strangers. You are your child's best advocate for getting access to services including fantastic childcare! So talk to everyone, the church minister, the lady in the Playgroup, the special needs group, the special education teacher, everyone! Sometimes it's hard to reach out to get help or make friends for yourself but it's easier when it's for such an important cause: your child!
Break it Down!
Ok, so to break it down and sum up, you can find childcare from:
- other Moms
- College Students
- special needs groups
- Park District Aides
- special needs county park district
- Vacation Bible School
- Church Groups
- The Gym