Reply to Catch-22: It SUCKS not having money.

Forum Index » Off-Topic

Reply to "Catch-22: It SUCKS not having money."

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I want to move, but can't afford rent unless I find cheap/free preschool. I don't qualify for cheap/free preschool unless I move.

I'm so frustrated. I have a 3yo, we live with family in Fairfax County, his daycare and my job are in DC. I'm single and make less than $50K, so I'm over the limits for programs like Head Start, but not quite making enough to pay both rent and FT daycare. I've paid off most of my debt, the problem is just not enough income. I'm actively looking for another job, but I'm not counting on anything.

I've spoken with DCPS about waitlisting for preschools, but I don't know which schools to look into and the residency deadline is May 2nd. After that, if I get in somewhere, I've got to pay the non-resident tuition, which is $12K/yr. Someone told me Arlington has a preschool program as well? Are there any other programs that have sliding scales or are free for residents?

I'm open to moving just about anywhere affordable (and safe), so I'm trying to figure out the school thing first. If we can live somewhere Metro accessible, I can sell my car, which would free up money for rent/after-school care. I'm just under the limit for Section 8, but there's a 5yr waitlist. Are there income-restricted housing programs other than Section 8 in this area? Safe ones?

My family is happy to have us live with them for as long as needed, but we've been here for almost a year and it's time to go. I'm not going to move out just to move out though, if I can't afford it without moving somewhere sketchy or getting a roommate, then we'll stay with family and I'll continue building my savings.

And yes, I realize this is DCUM so I'll probably get ripped to shreds, I just need some ideas of where else to look. I don't know anyone else in the area with kids and I'm a little overwhelmed.[/quote]

You might want to start considering the outer MD burbs if you can't get into any income limit apts. Seriously.

That being said, there used to be an income limit apt complex on Wilson Blvd up near Ballston years ago. It might still be there.  Back when I lived in N. Arlington there were a couple of them so you might want to poke around and see if they still exist.  If you are willing to go down to a 1 BR you might have even better luck finding something affordable.

Costs for childcare go down some once a child starts school but pretty much in this area end up being the cost of the last year of preschool - especially for single moms (which I am one of!).  The reason is that SACC will cost a few hundred a month and then there is summer camp to pay for.  Make sure you research those costs before making decisions about where to live etc.  [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics