Finding the right care for your children

“In-Between” Time

You may have worked out how and where your children will be cared for during your shifts, but there is often the “in-between” time that can be the biggest threat to crashing your plans. For example, in some states, daycare centers can’t keep children for more than 12 hours. But if you work 12-hour shifts, how can you get your child to and from daycare and yourself to work in time for your shift?

If you don’t have friends, neighbors or family who can help out and you’re reluctant to advertise, try contacting your local high school or community college. At the high school, speak with a guidance counselor who may be able to target a few students for you to interview. A student could be a great choice to pick up your children from daycare and mind them for the extra hour or two until you get home. Community colleges may have employment boards or counselors who also help students find part-time work.

Alternately, you could contact a local 55+ center or seniors’ center to see if anyone would like to have this type of part-time job. With the way our society moves about these days, many seniors don’t see their own grandchildren very often and many children don’t see their grandparents. This could be a perfect match for some families. Come to think of it, this could be another overnight solution as well.

Sometimes, the best option is right under your nose –>