Essential Early Childhood Care Strategies for Single Parents

“It takes a village to raise a child.” Sometimes that village diminishes into a one-man show where the only person to rely on is yourself.

We get it. You’re exhausted, frustrated and maybe even lonely. Setting out on your parenting journey didn’t involve walking the path alone. And yet, you are experiencing the highs and lows with a little person by your side. 

You are their protector, provider and the only one they look to for guidance, love and affection. What if there was a way to lessen the burden? 

Below, we’ll suggest some early childhood care options for single working parents.

Daycare

The most obvious and popular choice is daycare. Your child gets to be around kids their age in a regulated social setting.

Center-based care enrolls kids from the infant stage up to preschool age. However, you should thoroughly research daycare centers before making your choice. Inquire about their teaching methods, the teacher-to-child ratio and whether they are licensed.

Depending on where you live, some online directories have a comprehensive list of childcare centers. You can narrow it down to location, distance and age.

KinderPage suggests using a trusted online platform to find the right childcare provider.

The biggest downside to a daycare is the cost. Many single parents find that they can’t afford this route and sometimes kids are on long waiting lists before registration occurs.

Home-Based Care

Family childcare homes are best suited for babies and toddlers. Home childcare providers are responsible for smaller groups of children in their homes or apartments.

This option gives anxious first-time parents peace of mind, knowing their baby is well looked after and is given individual attention. 

Homecare providers are governed by state regulations, explains ChildCare.gov. Childcare licensing regulations limit the number of children and infants or toddlers to ensure proper supervision and safety.

Costs tend to be lower than daycare but despite efforts to regulate the sector, some could be operating illegally without a license. Find out how your state or territory regulates family childcare homes.

Nannies

Nannies are a luxury for many single-parent homes. They are also the most expensive childcare option.

Bearing the above in mind, nannies can be a godsend if you can afford them. Some provide live-in care while others work when they are needed. Some parents split the costs by sharing a nanny between several families.

A contract detailing their agreed hours, hourly rate, overtime pay and other reimbursements ensures you’re both on the same page. You can draw up a contract or hire a nanny through an agency to avoid the admin.

Au Pairs

Typically hired via agencies, au pairs differ from nannies in that host families cover weekly stipends, room, board and other expenses.

Because au pairs are young adults visiting Canada on a working holiday visa, they look after the host family’s kids for about a year. Au pairs are recommended to work for 25-30 hours per week, though there are no specific regulations for their working hours in Canada.

Like nannies, au pairs must have experience caring for kids. 

Family Member or Neighbor

Sometimes when you’ve exhausted all your options, the only thing to do is ask for help from loved ones or even a neighbor.

It does come with its pros and cons. Having a relative, friend or neighbor take on the responsibility can have challenges.

For instance, because of the dynamics of your relationship, it can be hard to enforce boundaries. However, the biggest benefit is knowing your kid’s caregiver is someone you can trust.

And then there’s the positive aspects.  A strong support network and connection are especially important when grandparents are the ones taking care of your child. 

With the current costs of childcare unaffordable for most households, it’s comforting not to have to worry about the extra expense. But, in saying so, your relative or neighbor should not be doing the job for free. 

Be upfront about payment and how you choose to compensate them. It doesn’t have to be monetary. You could offer to buy their weekly groceries or do their laundry.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, your budget is the deciding factor in childcare options. As a single-parent household, it doesn’t mean you don’t have control over which is best for your little one.

Your first and only priority is your child and their future well-being. Choose an environment they will thrive in and where your child’s development is paramount to their emotional growth. 

With the anxieties single parents face constantly, it’s a great feeling knowing that you’re raising independent children and investing in their bright futures. 

You lay the foundation and childcare providers create a focused safe space to help develop their skills and explore the world around them.

Consider the following. Does your child need a structured group setting or one-on-one attention? Do they have special needs? Do you require care during the day or non-traditional hours?

Once you’ve answered the above questions, you can start looking at your choices with a clearly defined goal.