Babysitting Co-op

Babysitting Co-Op
 
WHAT IS THE BABYSITTING CO-OP?
 

Our babysitting cooperative consists of a number of families in WFN who decide to share
babysitting amongst themselves without the exchange of money.

  

Babysitting co-ops usually are intended for occasional and not regular child care.

If regular child care is needed, other arrangements are usually made.
     
HOW DOES THE CO-OP WORK?
     

For every sit you do, you get positive points, and for every sit you need, you get negative points--

so it's a bit like exchanging babysitting with a friend except that you have a "pool" of experienced

 moms and dads to choose from (no more cancellations because the sitter can't come!).
     
Babysitting Co-Op
ADVANTAGES OF A BABYSITTING CO-OP
 

  • Children make new friends, develop social skills.

 
 

  • Children can become close with many families.

 
 

  • Families are helped with occasional day, evening, or emergency overnight care.

 
 

  • Provides free time when parents need it.

 
 

  • Provides parents with opportunities to see their children interact with others.

 
 

  • No money is spent for babysitting.

 
     
Babysitting Co-Op

Abbreviated WFN Co-op Rules
(full rules available upon membership)
General
 

1.      Membership is open to paid members of Westford Friends and Newcomers.

  
 

2.     New members receive 20 points when they join.  If a person joins the Co-op with donated or purchased points, the 20-point start-up is not given.

 
 

3.    Member points are to be returned to the Co-op upon departure.   Members are asked to work off any negative points before leaving the Co-op.

  
  4.      A member wanting a sitter is called a user.  
     
Responsibilities of Members
  1.      The user calls other members from the list to find a sitter.  The user should try to use sitters with the lowest point totals first.  
  2.      The user and the sitter choose the location of the “sit.”  
  3.      The user and the sitter must inform each other of any illness in the families.  
  4.      A member is under no obligation to sit at any time and may decline if it is not convenient.  
  5.      Either spouse may sit, as long as the user agrees.  
  6.      Points are calculated as follows:  
  1 child =  4 points per hour and each additional child adds an extra 2 points per hour.  
     
  For example, 3 children would be 8 points per hour. [Users who are attending a WFN function will only be charged half points, and the sitter will earn 1.5 times the regular points for the sitting.]   
     

Responsibilities of Chairperson
     
  1.      The chairperson keeps the membership list and Co-op rules up to date.  The chairperson contacts each user and sitter after each sit to report the updated point totals.  
  2.      The chairperson will provide each member with a membership list, copy of the rules and emergency treatment permission slip (if desired), upon request.  
  3.      The same individual cannot be the chairperson for two consecutive years unless there is no one interested in the position.  
     

If you have any questions about the Babysitting Co-Op please contact us at WFNInterestGroups@gmail.com

If you are interested in joining the Babysitting Co-op please download the forms below and return them to Cathy at the email above.
     

Co-op Application

Co-op Disclaimer