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Childcare Costs / living costs - advice please!

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ld101
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Childcare Costs / living costs - advice please!

Post by ld101 » Mon, 12 Nov 2012 9:31 pm

I am hoping to move to Singapore early next year. Both my husband and I will be working full time and I would like to have full-time at home childcare for our 9 month old daughter. Ideally we would like someone to come to our home home and mind her from 8am until about 6pm and do some light housework as well.

Is that kind of service possible and how much should I be looking to budget for it?

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sundaymorningstaple
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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:50 pm

A mnimum of $15/hour to upwards of $20/hour. However, it may be negotiated downwards toward the 15~18 range if sufficient hours are contracted for. It is much cheaper to get a live in domestic helper, truth be known. That will set you back around $1000/mo inclusive of all costs if you only pay them the minimum requirements (but you also get what you pay for).
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

ld101
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Post by ld101 » Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:45 pm

Thanks that's helpful. Now at the risk of sounding silly....a 'live-in' domestic helper - so they would live full time with you? So what kind of accomodation would I need to offer as presumably that could add quite a bit to our accomodation and grocery budget? Would they stay with you every weekend as well?

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mummy mantras
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Post by mummy mantras » Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:54 pm

Yes, she will live full-time with you. Even on weekends. But you must provide her with one day off a week. (Note: Most employers usually make Sunday their maid's day off. However, I have known maids who take a weekday off, instead of a weekend, so this can be negotiated with your helper.)

Most employers would provide their domestic helper with a small room of her own (many condos provide a small room and bathroom just behind the kitchen or laundry yard for this purpose), and of course, her own bed and some modest furniture.

If her primary responsibility is to help you care for your newborn baby, you may also ask her to sleep in the nursery. Of course, again, you must provide her with a proper bed and space to put her own belongings.

You are expected, as her employer, to provide for all her needs while she is working for you. Her food, shelter and toiletries would be the minimum naturally (do also bear in mind that her usual diet may be quiet different from yours). But you must not forget to also set aside funds to pay for her medical and dental bills (if necessary).

Please bear in mind that these are just the basics. I would suggest that you carefully read the MOM website for more info:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ ... ments.aspx

:D

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Post by sarasari » Fri, 15 Feb 2013 8:42 pm

ld101 wrote:Thanks that's helpful. Now at the risk of sounding silly....a 'live-in' domestic helper - so they would live full time with you? So what kind of accomodation would I need to offer as presumably that could add quite a bit to our accomodation and grocery budget? Would they stay with you every weekend as well?
Hi ld101, I was very reluctant as well with the idea of a live-in helper but as mentioned by the others above, it would be the cheapest option and it does come with a number of perks since she would also cook, clean and do all household chores.

For us and before our little one was born we would pay almost 500$ a month (too much I know) for a part-time helper for us to just come and clean. Taking a live-in helper to help with the baby, cook, clean and do pretty much everything was a no-brainer. It is definitely a bit awkward/difficult in the first few days/weeks but they are very discreet as well and won't necessary be around you all the time. You just need to find the right person/fit for you and your personality

Good luck !
^-^

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