Child care assistance while in program?

chaos0058 · Jun 21, 2011

Wow, that's a tough situation. I really feel for you---you shouldn't have to give up on your dream!

Have you tried talking to your school's financial aid office, or student services office? Each of those places might have spoken to other students with similar issues in the past. Maybe you might qualify for more grant/loan money, or maybe the school has/knows of discounted daycare services.

You could also try talking to your program advisor, to see if you could do the program part-time or take any evening/weekend classes, if that could make it possible for your husband to take care of the kids. Or maybe even other people who have kids who are in your program...maybe you could all chip in for a babysitter or do something as a group.

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2011

I know how you feel. I don't have any children, but my sister is in a 16 month ADN program and she has a 7 yr old girl and a 4 yr old boy, so everyone in the family has taken turns helping out. My niece has to get off the school bus at a friend's house, or I will will get her off the bus. I pick up my nephew from day care after I get out of work, and I even have taken the kids to work with me (I do home care and take care of another child, so it is easy for them to play). My mother, father and brother help, and my sister's in-laws help as well as some neighbors and her ex-husband. It is quite the headache for her. I sure hope that it doesn't hold you back. Surely there must be someone that can help you out!!!

DemonWings · Jun 21, 2011

When I was in school the financial aid office had a program that reembursted you for child care. We did not qualify bc my husband made a lot that yr, but its something to check into and I think they take into account your months bills, so just because you are not dirt poor doesn't mean you automatically get declined. Good luck! Mine were 1 and 3 when I started, I had to have my family help me out Alot during school.

Despareux · Jun 21, 2011

Check out your public school preschool; they may have free preschool for your four year old. Our public school district also offers daycare for babies and toddlers. I would discuss your situation with them to see how they can help you. They were very helpful in our situation and I am so grateful for all their help.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · Jun 22, 2011

Huh, we seem to be in the same situation! Sorry, I'm no help

brittany_micah · Jun 28, 2011

I was in the same situation. I dont know if your state has head start, but I would check into that. Other than that...I had to take out student loans last yr and this yr to cover childcare. It sucks and yes I have to pay it back but it's my only option.

ProudMom511 · Jul 4, 2011

Find your city's Unified School District, fill up an application with them, state that you will be in school for training, they should have programs to help students who can't afford childcare...you just need to have your school's statement that you will be a full-time student..good luck

1arngqtnurse2be · Jul 4, 2011

I live in Atlanta, GA and I am going through the same thing. I was told I couldn't get child care because I attend a 4 year college. Any suggestions!

Sharon7RN · Jul 4, 2011

I know exactly how you feel! I start nursing classes July 5th and have 4 children. My husband works full-time as well and the only way I'm going to make it through school, is with the help of my mother in-law! She is retired and is at home most of the time. The big issue will be gas; going back and forth to pick her up and drop her off. Do you guys have any family in CO? Any friends that can help out or perhaps church family? If not, could you some how look into finding a baby-sitter? I've personally always had family watch the kids, but I've heard of people putting out baby-sitter wanted ads, or ask around. Of course make sure the prospected sitter has good experience and training. Remember most nursing classes don't last more than 2-4 hours at a time, so hopefully it won't be too hard to find someone for those time spans. That will change when you start clinicals however. I know something will work out. : )

Lucky you living in Colorado! My family lived in Colorado Springs, CO for a year when I was 16. I really enjoyed living so close to those beautiful mountains. We lived on a hill and could see Pike's Peak and The Garden of the Gods every day. Sorry, that was a-bit off subject.... :rolleyes:

LuckyinKY · Jul 6, 2011

When I was earning my first degree, I qualified for childcare assistance as long as I worked 20 hours a week. I am not sure what your state requirements are but it might be worthwhile to get a part time job just for the childcare benefit. It is possible to work while going to school, I am working full time now while going to nursing school. Find a job that will give you time to study if possible such as a night shift clerk position.

NurseNotRatched, ADN, BSN, CNA · Jul 10, 2011

Check and double check with your Dept of Social Services for childcare vouchers. My state (NC) approved them for me because I was a full time student in my nursing program (also because my youngest daughter has an IEP for speech delays). My oldest daughter was 4 when I started nursing school...I applied to EVERY free program I could find. We applied for county preK, which we were eligible for but other children had more of a "need" :rolleyes: . I applied for HeadStart and was put on the over-income waiting list. Then, by happenstance....no, it was God...I heard about a state program called More at Four, which is a preK program. I applied and my daughter was placed in the program M-F from 8:00am-2:30p for FREE and since we needed care prior to 8am and/or after 2:30pm, the weekly wraparound care rate was only $10. So my advice to you is APPLY, APPLY, APPLY! Worst case scenario would be to take out a small loan to cover child care costs, but even then, you can keep costs low. This year, my oldest is 5 and is in kindergarten and I've enrolled my youngest daughter in a Methodist playschool program that runs 9a-1p and I choose what days I want her to go at $15 per day (we picked the 3 days a week that I'll have class and clinical for a total of $45 per week). A little sacrifice will be worth it to be able to provide more for yourself and your family once school is finished. Plus, your oldest will be in kindergarten next year when you'll be 1/2 way finished. Best of luck to you!