babysitting: does your state pay for it?

Here is CA you get $900 a month plus a separate clothing allowance per child. So, if you are a SAHP then you can use some of that for babysitting. However, if you work you'd be lucky if that covered daycare.

Are you with an agency? Because I'm in CA too, and we only get $640 for our 21 month old. Or do you have special care rate? I also think clothing allowance and daycare is up to each county. We used to have it here, but they are cutting back on these things. Regarding babysitting, previous posters have said it all. Your options are pretty much respite, friends, or swapping. Good luck!