BABYSITTING CO-OP

How would you like to go to a doctor's appointment or go shopping without having to bring your children with you? How about a going on a date with your spouse but not spending more on the babysitter than the dinner? AFN's babysitting co-op can help! We are groups of AFN parents who use a point system to provide childcare for one another. Someone watches your children for you, and in turn, you watch someone else's children for them. And it's all free!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the babysitting co-op work?
2. What are the benefits of the co-op?
3. Who is eligible to join?
4. How do member families get to know one another?
5. Are sits restricted to the daytime only?
6. Are sits done at my home or the requestor's home? Can my child(ren) attend sits with me?
7. How do I request a sit?
8. How do points work?
9. Is someone in charge?
10. What do I need to join?
11. What is required of me once I join the co-op?

How does the babysitting co-op work?

Acton Family Network babysitting co-op groups are designed for up to 20 families. These families exchange points for sitting services. The co-op groups share a set of bylaws that detail the specifics of running the co-op and being a co-op member. All members will receive a copy upon enrollment.

What are the benefits of the co-op?

The co-op allows:

Who is eligible to join?

All co-op families must be members in good standing of the Acton Family Network (AFN).

How do member families get to know one another?

In addition to other AFN sponsored activities, the co-ops plan a few events each month where member families meet and socialize. These events are in members' homes or public venues; during the day for at-home families, and during the evenings/weekends to include working and school-aged family members.

Are sits restricted to the daytime only?

No, the co-op is for all families whether you stay at home or work. Members exchange sits that work for both parties. There are working parents (full-time and part-time) and stay-at-home parents enrolled in the co-ops. Prior to joining you should consider whether you would be able to do the same amount of sits as you expect to request. You may not use the co-op for regular work-related childcare.

Are sits done at my home or the requestor's home? Can my child(ren) attend sits with me?

For the convenience of the sitter, daytime sits are typically performed at your own home with your own child(ren). If you accept an evening sit, you will typically go to the employer's home without your child(ren). Different arrangements are often made with the mutual consent of both parties, taking bed times, nap times, locations, etc., into consideration.

How do I request a sit?

Members send out an email to the co-op mailing list requesting a sit.

How do points work?

When you join the co-op, you start with 12 points. If you have someone sit for your children, you "pay" points at a rate depending on the number of kids, for every 15 minutes of sitting time. (If you sit for someone's children, you are "paid" the points.) It's OK to have negative points, but not less than –75.

Is someone in charge?

There are two roles that rotate within each co-op group. The chair and secretary do not receive points or other compensation for their service; everyone takes a turn.

What do I need to join?

If all co-op groups are full, a waiting list will be maintained, and a new group will be formed when the waiting list has five families.

What is required of me once I join the co-op?

All co-op members must attend a minimum of 2 out of 5 meetings in a year and at least one other event a year, which could be another meeting or a social event. Members must participate in a sit (either as a sitter or employer) at least once every 3 months. Other requirements are detailed in the co-op bylaws.

Contact us to attend a co-op event and/or learn more about the co-op.