Many parents are being driven back into the workforce to help compensate with our tough economy. Somehow, bills still continue to increase while salaries seem to stay the same. Many jobs have even found ways to cut benefits and other cost of living increases. I have friends who work at companies that have instituted a cap on hourly pay. Those employees who are been loyal to the company for years are now no longer able to receive annual raises because they have reached the cap. In fact many businesses implement strategies like this to help save money. This strategy may help cut costs, but it can hurt employee morale and drive some employees to feel underappreciated. Some employees perhaps may even search for other employment elsewhere. The fact is that both employers and employees are feeling their budgets being stretched too tightly and many are looking for new ways to save.
With more men and women looking for work, children are in need of care and supervision during the day and after school. There are some great after school daycare programs available for those who are interested in this type of care. Many programs have activities students are able to participate in until a parent is through with work. Parents who are in need of daycare after school can search for programs with activities their son or daughter enjoys like basketball, painting, taekwondo, and music for example.
Parents should do their own homework prior to enrolling their students in an after school daycare. By researching a little more about the daycare, parents will know exactly who is watching their child and if they are qualified. What is the student/adult ratio? Is the daycare following the rules and regulations set forth by the state? Has it received and maintained the necessary licenses to ensure health safety? What are the costs for enrollment and are there any discounts for having two or more children enrolled? It is always a good idea to get as much information as possible to ensure that you are making the best decision possible.
While returning to work may not be convenient or desired, it may be a real necessity. If you fall into this category, you are not alone. Even if it is only meant to be a temporary schedule, it is better to earn the money needed to pay your bills and maintain your good credit while letting your children enjoy some activities after school.