Help! What do you do for afterschool in Dubai? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Help! What do you do for afterschool in Dubai?

93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 10:22

Hi Ladies,
I need advice. I am a full time working mom and my son (who is currently 3 1/2) is in nursery school full time in Deira. The problem is, most nurseries in Dubai only take kids until 4 years old, so come September 2012, I don't know what to do!!

I am holding a place for him right now in KG1 at American International School, but the KG program ends at 12:30 pm and he can hang out at school only until 2:00 PM. I finish work at 5:00 PM, so I need to find a solution from 2:00 until about 5:30/6 pm!

A nanny is not an option for me, because a) its way too costly to sponsor a nanny full time and plus we don't know how long we will even be living in Dubai and b) people keep scaring me about getting a part-time nanny at home because its not legal and c) even if I could find a part time nanny, they don't have cars so I still have the problem of getting my son from school to home at 2:00 pm - if I put him on the bus, I add another 6,000 AED !

So please if you have ideas, please please let me know?? Does anyone know any reasonable nursery schools that take kids who are 4 years old through 5 years old? I found a few nurseries in Dubai but the prices are like 30,000 AED - 40,000 AED a year?!?! Man, I miss the USA where school is free!!

Any advice much appreciated!!!

1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 17:28
I read many threads on here about how expensive childcare/nurseries are and was curious to work out what I paid in the days when DS was little and attended nursery full time. I did a quick calculation of what I used to pay in the UK, 12 years ago, for a middle of the road nursery for DS. It worked out at 55,000AED a year in those days (4,500AED a month) - so in comparison to the UK I think prices are somewhat cheaper here for nursery. With the majority of people earning far in excess of their UK salaries (and tax free) I don't think people are paying over the odds for childcare. I fully understand that this is a lot of money, but what price to you put on your child's welfare and care, I can only speak for the UK costs. A very wise boss I had gave me a good bit of food for thought when I was considering whether it was cost effective to return to work - was the money I took home in salary enough to cover my childcare fees, and leave me with enough money to make it worth my while. Luckily, for me it was, but it is a predicament. I do feel for you parents who have young children - childcare and ultimately school fees are a massive chunk of money from our monthly budget. There is definitely a gap in the market here for good afterschool care, and in time hopefully that gap will be filled ... sadly not soon enough, I really don't think the UAE is geared up for parents of many expat families to work .... in our home countries the demand for this care has evolved, or some have parents to help out. I really hope that someone will bridge the gap - it could be an absolute goldmine ..... Sorry to hijack, and i am sorry I don't have a solution for you but I wish you lots of luck in finding a solution. x <em>edited by cymraes on 12/06/2012</em>
262
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 17:27
This will be the case for me too in Sept 2013! and I am already freaking out! There is definitely a gap in the market there! Back home after school care is until 7pm! and school is free too... I remember seeing a few month back a nursery/daycare that is open until 7pm or 8pm, in Al Barsha, I just cannot recall the name
93
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 17:02
thanks ladies for your support! even though I've still not found a solution, its nice to know I'm not alone!! keep the replies coming and if anyone thinks of anything, please do post!! in the meantime, maybe I should open an Afterschool Club for all of us :)
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 15:44
I don't know if financially you can manage it but I've worked part time and never looked back. Pre kids, I had a glorious career, making a bunch of money and travelling the world. When they're still young, it's hard as **** for women to balance it all, isn't it? We make big sacrifices for our kids. But, my youngest will be in KG2 this year and I am freaking out that she will be gone all day, as it will be like this for years to come, and I won't be able to have those little kid years anymore. Is it possible for you to work part time? Are there other moms in your area who are willing to take your child after school? (I'm an American, as well, and am used to having a vast network of moms who take care of each other's kids). If your company won't do part time is there another place that would? Sounds like someone needs to open a day care center there!
193
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 13:44
Oh and the other thing was at my children's school you can only use the school bus from Year 1, FS1 & FS2 not allowed on so that was another problem. A full time driver was the only solution which was too much money....
193
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 13:42
If only there were after school clubs for older children. Back in the UK my LO's nursery had an afterschool club for primary school kids. They would be picked up from school and brought there until 6pm if need be.
326
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 13:39
I had to give up my job for this very reason. Full time nusery (FS1) was too expensive and no other option available.
3220
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 13:35
School bus+nanny seems to be the only (legal) solution here. Even if you decide to risk it and get a part-time nanny you would need to pay for bus transport. My DH and I did the calculations and decided its best that I stay at home and look after the kids as it would be more expensive for me to work and pay for all those other things. Still dont understand why there is no after school care facilities in Dubai.
193
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 13:16
I totally know what you are saying. I was offered a great full time job and really wanted to take it but had to turn it down due to this problem. I have 2 young children finishing at 2 different times at school. It would have meant having to take on a full time driver as well as a full time maid. We have a maid at the moment but as much as she is lovely I wasn't happy at having to leave my children for long periods every day with her on their own. I eventually had to turn the job down. I hope you find a solution and if you do let me know!!xx
1052
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 12:08
As others have said, there is no after school support and with no family support we had to get a full time live in maid, it worked out ok, never had any issues with her until about 2 months ago. We do school bus and then maid meets lo from bus until we get back from work after 5pm. You could use an agency maid but i dont think you can opt to get the same maid every day and itmight be too confusing for your lo having someone different everyday. Good luck.
736
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 11:47
We will have this dilemma in 2013 (we are opting to keep her in nursery until she is 4) and have concluded that the only answer is for me to give up work or to get a full time maid. Me giving up work is not going to happen as being a SAHM is far too hard. Fortunately our part time agency maid finishes her contract with the agency in July 2013 so we hope to take her on full time. Now we have to decide on live out or live in. Our nursery is in the price bracket you mention so I cannot help you there.
594
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 11:40
Ohh...went thru similar pains but then caved in to having a full time nanny for kid....Dubai is so not equipped with support for working mums. Worth trying Jumeirah International Nursery, 3 yrs back they did have after school day care facility...wish you all the very best.
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY