NE Child Care Cooperative
A child care cooperative consists of a number of families in a community who decide to share child care among themselves without the exchange of money. Members agree to share responsibilities of record-keeping and providing and using services. Child care co-ops usually are intended for occasional child care.
Needed to start this Co-op:
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5-6 interested families
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Point system
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Record-keeper
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Ground rules
Benefits the Community:
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Gives parents and children an opportunity to make friends in their neighborhood
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Parents can exchange parenting tips, and perhaps even toys and clothes
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Children make new friends and develop social skills
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Children can become close with many families
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No money is spent for child care
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Families are helped with occasional day, evening, or emergency overnight care
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Parents have free time when they need it
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Parents can see their children interact with other children and adults



