are contracting with an independent caregiver , be sure to provide a W-2 or 1099 and discuss tax deductions . Consult a tax professional for advice on this .
A clear breakdown of payment when and how much per child must be laid out with the childcare provider .
Plan . Also of importance , a contingency plan if the sitter is sick or has an emergency , time off or vacation time should be agreed upon before the caregiver starts .
Values and expectations . Lay the groundwork and responsibilities out ahead of time . From routines to activities , make sure the caregiver has an explicit itinerary of daily life and what is required to meet those needs . If your child has particular interests , try to hire a sitter that shares their affinity--it helps foster connection and respect from caregiver to child .
Use your tribe ( Co-op Model ).
It takes a village , right ? Team up with your people , those who know and cherish your kid ( s ) already . These have become more popular overtime and are often referred to as a Co-op .
Work Sponsored Childcare .
Inquire with employers , business owners or corporate entities to see if there are summer childcare programs available . Many corporations sponsor onsite child watches and may have summer openings .
Get a job .
It ’ s never too soon to learn about money management and fiscal responsibility . Teens 14 and older can acquire a work permit for a summer job . Working up to 40 each week can lay the foundation for teamwork , customer service , responsible scheduling and time management . When the bell sounds for classes to begin , students can stay employed , legally eligible to work up to 15 hours each week . Full guidelines can be found at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation .
When it ’ s summer , the livin ’ can be easy for kids and parents alike . Approachable and flexible options are available to meet the unique needs of your family .
Topics to discuss prior to committing :
• Create a consistent schedule of who has what days / times .
• Plan excursions and activities based on the age group .
• Agree on what ’ s acceptable to spend and create accounts or a money pot prior to any outings for the spend .
• Expenses to consider : Snacks and beverages , art and craft supplies , gas , admission and entry fees , books and materials ( pens , pencils , paper , notebooks , etc ).
• Back-up plan in case of an emergency or illness .
Rotating childcare responsibilities allows parents who work full time in or out of the home to prioritize the workday more effectively and collaborate with employers for workplace flexibility . Coming together as a collective ensures the children have playmates , but no parent is out extra money for supervision .
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