Options for managing school work and childcare

[alternativemomma]

I'm trying to figure out all the details for next semester when I move out of my parents house and go to a university but I'd be living on my own so unfortunately I'll be working and going to school and supporting me and my daughter on my own. What do other mamas i this situation do as far as childcare goes? There are a few options in my mind right now:

1: Work during the day while DD is at a center or at home daycare. Do night school and/or weekend school while DD is at home sleeping w/ a friend, or my grandma, or a professional nanny.

2. Find a nanny job, ask friends w/ children or apply on nanny sites where I can bring DD to work with me then just need nanny/friend/grandma when I go to school nights and weekends.

3. School during the mornings while DD is at a cheaper Mothers Day Out program and work night shifts with someone at the house with her?

I'm sure there are other options but my budget is about $400 for childcare a moth if that is even slightly possible, I'm on the waiting list for child care assistance in my state as well. : /

[kittenwhip]

Does the school that you plan on attending have a childcare center? If so, you could take classes and possibly work on campus during the day.

[alternativemomma]

Originally Posted by kittenwhip

Does the school that you plan on attending have a childcare center? If so, you could take classes and possibly work on campus during the day.

I think there is one on campus but I was looking up on the Texas child protective services site on day cares and it shows all of the day cares failed inspections, write ups, etc. and they are not safe. : /

[mrsfrenchy]

Originally Posted by alternativemomma

I think there is one on campus but I was looking up on the Texas child protective services site on day cares and it shows all of the day cares failed inspections, write ups, etc. and they are not safe. : /

Seriously? ugh.
The university that I'm at (and many others that I've heard of) have daycare on campus that is used as a teaching facility for the College of Education, so they have to be up to par (and quite good actually).
The rates are also quite affordable for us because they base it on your financial need AND you don't have to pay for care during chirstmas break, etc.

[txbikegrrl]

Originally Posted by alternativemomma

I think there is one on campus but I was looking up on the Texas child protective services site on day cares and it shows all of the day cares failed inspections, write ups, etc. and they are not safe. : /

Have you compared them to other sites? How often are the visits?

When I first checked that site I realized there are NO centers in our area who don't go without a write up ever (even the $1000+/month ones) but the write ups are very minor and visits are every 12 or 18 months can't remember which now in the good centers. The real warning signs are if the write ups are for true safety violations and the state is checking back every 3 months.

Sorry if you already know this and they are bad violations.