Childcare while in school

[Etak, BSN, RN]

Hello all!

I reaching out and hoping to start a brainstorming thread on what to do about after school care for children of nursing students.

A tiny bit about me: I’m currently in Physio. Taking anthropology over summer, then my very last class, micro, in Fall 2019, and then I’ll take the TEAS in winter 2019, spend spring 2020 volunteering and applying to every nursing school within driving distance of my impacted area and begin a program in Fall 2020.

Through lots of hard work I’ve managed to earn a 4.0 in all prerequisites so far. With 5 kids currently aged 2-11. In Fall 2020, I’ll have a 7th, 6th, 4th, 3rd and a preschooler.

With only 2.5 classes left, the end of prereqs is already almost here and I’m needing to tackle the childcare situation.

my husband works full time and we’re living on his salary alone while I’m a student. So his schedule is really not negotiable. My schedule when I’m in the program will be Mon-Thurs 8-4, also not negotiable. I also have no family in the area able to help.

My kids’ school has no after school program at all... no bus either, and it’s too far to walk home. They get out at 3, so I’m working the logistics of coverage for about 1.5 hours/ 4 days a week.

I’ve been a stay at home mom for 11 years, I’ve never done day care so please forgive me for being naive. What do I do? Hiring a sitter to pick them up and bring them home seems most logical but my biggest concern is: how do I keep a trustworthy sitter that is RELIABLE when I am only hiring them for mid afternoon and at most, an average 8 hours a week? Cost is a concern as well with 5 kids and one income, but I’m willing to swallow the fact that student loans might be needed to make this happen.

my other option (I’m not even sure it is an option) is to change my kids’ school to one with afterschool care programs. This won’t be popular with anyone at home and I’m not even wanting to bring it up this early in the game!

I’m also nervous about kid home sick days and the random teacher inservice days that pop up a couple of times every other month. What do other parents do?? I’d love to hear from parents making this happen! Thank you all in advance!

[brandi2007]

I wish I knew what to tell you. I am kind of in the same situation. I have 1 in school and a 2-year-old. My husband works out of town Monday-Thursday. My classes start at 8 A.M and it is a 40-minute drive for me. I have no idea how I'm going to get my daughter to and from school or what I'll do with my youngest. I guess he could go to daycare(i hate that idea lol) and then I'd just have to figure out my daughter but I am stumped.

[araew2129, ADN]

I know you said you don't have family in there area but perhaps there is a way you could meet other moms who might be reliable and trustworthy. For instance, I belong to a breastfeeding support group (even though i stopped breastfeeding over a year ago) and those ladies are always helping each other out. Maybe there is a stay-at-home mom who wouldn't mind helping out for an extra $100 per week or something.

[Delcon]

I’m kind of in your same position but only have one child (hoping to have 2 by the time I start nursing school) and I’m barely starting my pre reqs this summer.

I feel like you might be able to find a sitter that wants to work just a few hours a week. Maybe a trustworthy high school senior , college kid or a stay at home mom who needs extra cash? You have a few older kids that should be fine doing homework and helping with the younger ones. They can also report back to you if the sitter isn’t trustworthy.

My son should be 3 or 4 by the time I get into a program and the school I’m applying to is a community college and has childcare there. The hours are from 7am-6pm. That’s how we’re doing it. I’m saving up for the cost now while I’m doing my pre reqs.