Need Help Paying For Childcare? Here's What You Can Do
American households are already reeling from the rising cost of gas, food, and utilities—and now, childcare has become more expensive too.
A study found that the cost of infant daycare in Missouri is 1.3 times more expensive than tuition for a local college. Some centers charge as much as $350 per child. However, most parents don’t have a choice. They can’t afford not to work, especially with household costs ballooning because of inflation.
However, $350 (or even more, if there is more than one child) isn’t cheap. Many people simply can’t afford to pay for these childcare expenses in one go. They need help paying for child care costs—either through government programs or installment loans. Keep reading to discover your options to help cover your early care costs.
Childcare Payment Options To Cover Childcare Expenses
Missouri Department Of Social Services
This government agency provides many public assistance programs, from food stamps to free or subsidized health care.
As part of its programs to support child development, it also provides daycare scholarships and subsidies. To be eligible, you need to meet the family income threshold and be currently employed, looking for work, attending classes or job training programs, or have a form of disability.
The daycare subsidies can be used for children under thirteen years old, or children with special needs. You can look at their sliding fees chart to know how much your family can be entitled to.
To apply, fill out the form on their website and submit it along with the required documents. If you qualify, you will be asked to go to an interview. Processing takes about two weeks.
Child And Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
This program not only provides help paying for childcare, but it also has nutrition education and support, so your child gets proper meals while they are in daycare. They work directly with childcare providers and even reimburse them for snacks they give to children.
For more information, you can call 816-343-6009 or contact the CACFP program in your state.
Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware is a nationwide organization that provides childcare resources and referrals. You can the Missouri office (1-866-892-3228) to find affordable, credit childcare providers in your area. You can also use their consulting services to know where and how you can apply for full daycare scholarships.
Child Care Aware also provides some subsidies for low-income families that need help paying for childcare. However, there is a long waiting list and processing time can take a while.
Fortunately, their social workers can help you find other options—such as where to get subsidies for food or utilities, which can free your budget for childcare—as you wait for approval.
Head Start Program
The National Head Start Association is a US program with centers in every state, including Missouri. As part of its mandate for proper child learning and development, it supports parents who need help paying for childcare with subsidies and scholarships.
However, the Head Start Program is only open to children five years old and below. Parents can apply through the website. Pregnant or expecting moms can also apply for infant care subsidies for their newborn children.
You can find your nearest Head Start center by visiting the National Head Start Association's location tab.
Local Church Or Community Groups
Since most government organizations require a lot of documents and often have a long waiting list, you may need to find temporary help paying for childcare.
Try approaching local community groups or churches. They can either connect you to a babysitter who can watch your kids for a few days a week or help pay for a month or two of childcare. They may also refer you to private organizations or NGOs that can sponsor your child.
Neighbors And Babysitters
Ask around your community, or check the local papers and job sites, for people who are looking for a part-time job as a babysitter. Just make sure to check the person’s credentials and ask for recommendation letters from former clients. It would be even better if that person is personally referred to you by someone who knows him or her.
How Can Installment Loans Help With Urgent Child Care Costs?
If you don’t qualify for government subsidies, or if you have been put on a waitlist but need to enroll your child in a daycare program immediately, you may want to consider installment loans.
With Missouri installment loans, you can borrow up to $1,500 and then pay off the loan through regular monthly installments. They can be used for any emergency expense, including help paying for childcare.
Missouri Title Loans, Inc. is one of the easiest ways to get installment loans. And here’s why:
- Convenient. You can apply online, and the in-person process takes as little as 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy working parents who are already short on time.
- Simple requirements. You just have to present your driver’s license, a checking account statement that’s in your name, and proof of income like your most recent pay stub.
- Accessible. While we will look at your credit history, rest assured that our installment loans do not require perfect credit or collateral. Just reach out to our loan representatives and we’ll help you look at your options.
- Affordable. You can pay off the loan through regularly scheduled payments instead of a lump sum.
- Fast. Once your loan is approved, you get the money the same day or the next business day.
Get Help Paying For Child Care Costs Now!
Childcare is important for a healthy family life. Hopefully, the above list has enlightened you about some options for paying for childcare that you may not have thought of before. Interested in online installment loans? Just fill out the form and a loan representative from the nearest branch will call you to walk you through the process. We’re here to help!
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.