A few years ago my husband and I set up a childcare cooperative (co-op) with four other couples that we knew from church. We saved a ton of money on childcare while at the same time getting some much-needed time together. Our son had a blast with his friends and we were comfortable knowing that he was in good hands.

Here are the steps you can take to set up your own childcare cooperative.

1. Make a List.

Make a list of families that you know well and would trust with your children. Think of families that you know from school, homeschooling cooperatives, church and your neighborhood who may be interested in forming a cooperative.

2. Have a Meeting

Send out an invitation to the families on your list to join your childcare co-op. Invite them to an “introduction” meeting in your home. This is a good way for the children and the parents to get to know one another.

3. Draft the Rules of Operation

Once you have your list of committed families, it is time to draft out your rules of operation. Set up a meeting with the members to discuss the following:

• What days and times will your co-op operate?
• How will the co-op calendar be handled?
• What will happen if a member cannot host on their designated day?
• What will the procedure be if members want to switch days?
• Who will be in charge of the co-op calendar?
• What happens if a member misses several of their designated days of hosting?
• What happens when a member leaves the co-op?
• How will emergencies be handled?
• What are the emergency contacts and information for each child/family? Example: cell phone numbers, doctor’s name, hospital, etc.
• Will you have the co-op members sign an emergency release form?
• What are the “house” rules for the children to follow?
• How will the rules be enforced?
• Will snacks be provided? If so, what are acceptable snacks?
• Will the children be allowed to go with the designated co-op family to the park or other off-site locations during the co-op time?

4. Assign a Secretary

On a rotating schedule (three to six months is good), each of the co-op members should take turns serving as the co-op secretary. The secretary keeps track of all the member information and the co-op calendar.

The secretary sends out a reminder via email at the beginning of the week with information about who is hosting for the week and if there have been any changes made to the calendar.

If there are any switches that need to be made to the co-op calendar, the secretary takes care of letting the members know via email. Members wishing to make changes to the schedule should call the secretary at least 48 hours in advance.

5. Relax

Take comfort in the fact your child or children are having fun and are being well cared for. But most of all enjoy the quiet time alone with your spouse. You need that time together to recharge your batteries and reconnect as a couple.

© 2002 – 2010 Blair Massey.  All rights reserved.