Affordable ways to start learning piano? Group lessons?

[Anonymous]

My 8 year old is interested in learning piano but I'm hesitant to dive into a $250+ per month ongoing commitment for private lessons right away, especially because her interest may peter out. Are group lessons an okay starting point (and if so, any recommendations for good options in Montgomery County)? Can you do private lessons every-other-week, or do a few months of lessons and then take a few months off? Any other ideas?

(I suppose I could try teaching her myself, but I have no idea how to approach that-- are there books that help parents teach their kids the basics?)