Day-Time Sitter Solution: A Babysitting
Co-op
By
Sandi Leska
Sometimes, stay-at-home
mothers need a break from work, or a break to work. I had no luck
finding babysitting options for just a few hours a week. I tried
a few teenagers last summer, but never felt comfortable with them.
Plus, I really wanted to get the kids out of the house so I could
get some work done.
Last fall, I joined a babysitting
co-op. Now I am stepping up to take my turn as co-chair and have
gained great respect for the woman who founded our co-op. She
did much more than just gather a group of parents interested in
exchanging babysitting services.
Here's how our babysitting
co-op operates:
Accounting
Without $
Our founder suggested tracking points or creating currency
to purchase babysitting services within the co-op, since no actual
money is exchanged. Tracking points on a check register makes
it easy to calculate partial hour sits and to audit usage. Creating
currency requires manufacturing
tokens to physically exchange.
We voted for tracking points.
The secretary tracks everyone's points to assure accuracy and
encourage use of members with low points. Each member pays a couple
of points for a monthly administrative fee, which is then distributed
to the secretary, co-chair and chair.
A sit costs two points
per hour for the first child and one more point per hour for each
additional child. Overtime is charged for evening/weekend sits
since members are reluctant to share that family time. Lastly,
a half point is charged for providing a meal.
Each month, I get a spreadsheet
showing everyone's usage and point levels. I know who has used
whom, who needs points and who has points to burn. If I need points,
I suggest a local sale or a romantic outing to a member with an
excess of points.
Safe
Home Away From Home
Our founder used several examples of bylaws as a starting point,
and safety was a huge part in every one. A safe environment for
kids requires consistent understanding of safety issues. We summed
up our safety concerns with three forms.
Inspection Safety
Checklist:
This is a list of safety requirements for each member's home.
We don't all meet every requirement; the form has an exceptions
column to communicate unique situations. Every member's completed
form is available for viewing by other members.
Our checklist started with
examples we found online, such as:
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safetyweek/child_safety.pdf
and http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/safety/g1213.htm#list.
Revisions are done as we take time to further discuss risks, including
access to guns, chemicals/cleaners, garages, freezer chests, knives,
breakables, electronics, and adult publications.
Medical
Release Form: A signed Medical Release Form
assures your child will receive care needed in timely fashion
in case of emergency. You've probably already filled one out if
you've signed up kids for sport programs or camps.
Personal
Preferences & Contact Information: This
form outlines allergies, behavior issues, acceptable activities,
approved snacks, comforting techniques, schedule, telephone numbers,
etc. Basically, it is everything the sitter should be told to
assure the safety and comfort of each child. I always questioned
if my teenage babysitter really respected my preferences, but
I find most of the members of my co-op actually share the same
preferences against violence, video time, sweets, etc.
Meeting
Expectations:
The bulk of the bylaws describes expectations and responsibilities.
Travel
Bag: I hear some co-ops have the sitter provide
diapers and incidentals for the children they sit. We expect the
parent to pack what might be needed -- second outfit, snacks,
meals, beverages, diapers, rash guard, etc.
Child's
Behavior: We clearly outline what constitutes
sick and what is unacceptable behavior -- biting, for instance.
Member's
Behavior: Adult courtesies cannot be assumed.
I'm glad we document expectations such as sitter health; vacuuming
before a sit; 100 percent supervision during the sit; reparations
for damages; and timely drop-off and pick-up.
Usage:
As a new member, I started out with 40 points. I earn points by
sitting, hosting meetings, chairing, or being secretary. I spend
points for administration and using sitters. I am not allowed
to go over 80 points and I'm required to spend at least 20 every
revolving three months or risk suspension.
Leadership:
Besides using sitters and sitting kids, each member must take
their turn as secretary, co-chair and chair.
Legal:
I fully support verbiage that encourages parents to be responsible
for their own choices. In regard to our internal disagreements,
my co- op utilizes a chair and co-chair to act as arbitrator and
counsel.
The success of our babysitting
co-op is rooted in maintaining relationships between the members
beyond the business of babysitting. I see these parents at play
dates, meetings and around the community. I have found a safe
and fun environment for my kids when I need a break from them.
They have found playmates galore while I have found friendships
and parenting support.
Copyright 2003 by Sandi Leska
Sandi Leska is a stay-at-home
mom of two toddlers in Minnesota. She is heavily involved in
MOMS Club of Inver Grove Heights/South St. Paul as its newsletter
editor, playgroup coordinator, cooking group chair, and babysitting
co-op co-chair.
