- What is the Babysitting Co-op?
- How does the Babysitting Co-op work?
- What are the benefits of the Babysitting Co-op?
- Who can see posts on the Yahoo group message board?
- What are the rules regarding the Babysitting Co-op?
- Are there babysitting requirements to be a member of the Co-op?
- Other Babysitting Co-ops have point systems in place. Does this one?
- Am I required to have a Medical Release Form of some kind?
- How can I get to know the other moms in the Co-op?
1) What is the Babysitting Co-op?
We are a group of moms, all members of the GNMC, who are willing to trade babysitting services. For now, it’s on an at-will basis. If you’d like to find and use another mom to watch your child(ren), you can. If you’re home and would like to watch another member’s child(ren), it would be appreciated. Exchanging money is never allowed in this Co-op. We’re a group of moms helping other moms!
The goal of the Co-op is to give members of the GNMC an outlet to have free babysitting with other mothers they meet. We’re hoping to offer our members a chance to have their children well taken care of so they can get out and about.
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2) How does the Babysitting Co-op work?
It’s easy! Join the Babysitting Co-op Yahoo Group.
Use the Yahoo group to post messages if you need a sitter or if you are free to watch someone else’s little one(s). The initial post - stating a sitter is needed or offering babysitter services - should be put on the Yahoo board to allow all Co-op members to respond. All members of the Co-op Yahoo group will see your posting and interested members can respond. You pick the sitter you’d like; then you can use personal email to contact each other. Work out the details between the 2 of you. Be sure to email Amanda & Marie with the details so we can put it in our log.
If you cannot get on the Yahoo group message board or if you don’t have Internet access, you can email Amanda & Marie and one of us will get your message posted. You can also call either one of us (please refer to your newsletter for phone numbers).
It’s that easy!
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3) What are the benefits of the Babysitting Co-op?
First and foremost, free babysitting! Who better to watch your child than someone who has at least one of their own? You don’t have to spend time finding a student or someone you don’t know to watch your child.
We also think this is beneficial for the children – it can be like a play date! Also, moms benefit from the Co-op too! Moms can have quality time to spend on themselves. You also may make new friends and a new support system. The Co-op is a win/win!
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4) Who can see posts on the Yahoo group message board?
Only Yahoo group members of our Babysitting Co-op. General members of the GNMC and the general public CANNOT see our Co-op as it is private. We have it set this way to assure privacy of our members.
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5) What are the rules regarding the Babysitting Co-op?
You can see our Rules & Regulations on the Yahoo board under the “Files” section, or you can email Amanda & Marie and we can email you a copy.
All members are required to read the Rules & Regulations. They are in place for the safety and protection of all members.
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6) Are there babysitting requirements to be a member of the Co-op?
No, there are not. You can be a member of the Yahoo group and use the Co-op as often or as little as you’d like. It’s up to you! Of course, we encourage you to use the Co-op for a variety of reasons – getting a night out with your spouse/partner, running errands kid-free, participating in Mom’s Night Out and other GNMC activities or going to appointments. The possibilities are endless!
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7) Other Babysitting Co-ops have point systems in place. Does this one?
At this time, no. We do have plans to implement a point system down the road. Right now, our main focus is getting this Co-op up and running. We want moms to try it out!
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8) Am I required to have a Medical Release Form of some kind?
Absolutely! All members of the Co-op are required to have a signed Medical Release form to give to the person watching their child EACH AND EVERY time a sit takes place. This is to protect you, the babysitter and your child. We want our moms doing the babysitting to be able to treat a child in case of an emergency.
You can find this form in the Yahoo group under the “Files” section. If you cannot find it or don’t have Internet access, please email Amanda & Marie and we’ll email or snail mail one to you.
Again: a sit CANNOT take place without a signed consent form in the babysitter’s hand when the child is left to be watched.
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9) How can I get to know the other moms in the Co-op?
That’s easy! Approximately once a month, we are hosting a Babysitting Co-op social or get together of some kind. Check the GNMC calendar for the next outing! We encourage all members of the Co-op to attend as often as they can. It’s a great way to get to know the moms and children in the Co-op. We hope to see you at the next event.
We welcome questions at any time! Feel free to contact Amanda & Marie. If you have any issues, questions, comments or feedback we’d love to hear it. This is YOUR co-op and the more participation, the better! Welcome!!
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