I rented two apartments in the same building, one for me and my two children and another single bedroom unit for whomever I hired as my child care provider. Granted, I did not get any child care tax credits, but my child care costs were cheaper than a day care and the relationship between the sitter and my children was very personal. This does take careful screening, and a cooperative landlord, but I had good luck. My first providers were a young couple, both masters level students with their own small child. They were, like me, on a tight budget and very willing to schedule their classes around my work schedule. It was a win-win for everyone. After them I “hired” a senior lady who struggled to survive on just social security. She was a wonderful “granny” for my kids. We loved her and she loved us and her life was made much easier without having to pay the $500 monthly rent. This complex also provided most utilities and cable services.