WNYMoms.com

My friend is in need of a daycare/babysitter for her 18 month old daughter. She is on a very tight budget and doesn't even know where to begin to look for something she can afford. She is looking for someone to watch her daughter about 2 days a week (sometimes more) that is somewhat affordable. I know she called one place and they wanted $100 a week for 2 days, and she couldn't afford that. Is that a realistic price? I have no clue since I've never needed daycare personally.

Does she have a close friend that might be able to take her? She might be able to get away with paying $25-$30 a day. A friend could pick up some extra cash but still be able to get some of her laundry and chores done. If that's not an option, what part of town would she be looking for?

As far as I know, she hasn't had luck with finding a friend to watch her. She is in the southtowns.

This is a little late, but from recent and past experiences looking for daycare I can give a slightly informed answer. When I lived in Lancaster, Yes - I would say that $100 for 2 days was almost realistic. Where I am currently over in Kenmore, it is more like $70 for 2 days. Daycare is expensive! Since i moved from Lancaster to Kenmore my cost in daycare decreased by $80 weekly. They didn't require any deposit, and just require payments on Friday, for whatever days she did attend. The other daycare required 2 weeks deposit, and then payment for the week ahead on Friday and if she was sick, too bad. Now the new daycare, might not be as up-to-date on painting, or toys -- but they have plenty of things there, and loving teachers. It really just takes some time, but depending in the Southtowns she will probably experience high price in day care. Probably a friend or SAHM would probably be cheapest option. Or has she considered going for daycare assistance? Even if it is only 2 days, if she meets income requirements (which they just raised - so thats a good thing) and I think they want to know why the dad can't watch the kid - then they should be able to get some sort of help. Hopefully everything worked out!

Thanks Kirky90! I'll pass that info along to my friend.

Did she find daycare? I can connect you to a WNY mom fb page and lots of moms in this group babysit at home.