Child care with a non-traditional work schedule
Finding quality child care is hard enough when you work traditional weekday hours. Finding child care to cover these non-traditional work schedules can be especially difficult for employees in medical professions with variable hours, rotating shifts and required on-call.
Several alternative child care services may work for your family and your non-traditional work hours. While not all of these will be helpful for everyone, they are worth exploring as you work to solve this family challenge.
Ask a daycare provider for references
Just because a traditional family provider or daycare operator doesn't offer extended hours doesn't mean they don't know one who will. Ask around for recommendations. You may find providers that have ideas or solutions you have never considered. Often, the very caretakers who look after children in such a setting are open to taking on extra hours on their own as well.
Try a drop-in child care center
While hourly rates at these daycares tend to be higher, a confirmed customer on a set schedule may mean the daycare is willing to lower rates. Some families who are consistent users of such facilities say they get as good of a deal by setting up a monthly schedule based on work requirements.
Create a nanny share
Nanny shares or splits are great cost-saving options. These arrangements typically involve one caretaker caring for two (or more) families in their respective homes on a coordinated schedule, with dedicated hours for each. In some cases, two families might instead choose to have their children watched by the caretaker simultaneously at one person's home. A nanny may get paid slightly more for the dual role, but many families feel the cost is worth the benefits.
The best arrangements are made with co-workers or family friends with similar expectations. Each family must be committed to having the caretaker's services only during the agreed-upon times. One significant downside to consider: You may end up loving the nanny while the other family does not (or vice versa). This arrangement has several moving parts that require flexibility to work together to make it successful.
Try a babysitter co-op or swap
Forming a babysitter co-op or swapping babysitting with a group of co-workers and/or friends can be a great and reliable way to get child care for free. Coordinate schedules and swap care — they watch your kids during your shifts, and you watch their kids during theirs. No money is actually exchanged, and all participating families benefit.
Seek out a college student
Since most students take their courses in the morning or even stack classes into either a Monday/ Wednesday/Friday or a Tuesday/Thursday schedule, finding a caring individual who can watch your kids in your home is possible.
While the hours may change slightly by semester, you can have consistent, reliable care if you are willing to put in some work upfront to find the right fit for your family. Most colleges even have job boards where you can advertise the days needed and the rate you're willing to pay.
Call on family members
If you are lucky enough to have family members nearby, ask if they can lend a hand. Most are happy to do so, but be careful not to assume they are available, overburden them or become too critical of their help. Have an open, ongoing discussion about what you need and what they can provide. If the arrangement is consistent, you may want to offer compensation. And if they're not willing to take an hourly rate, being sure to provide other signs of appreciation can go a long way.
In-home care provider websites
Parents can place an advertisement for a caregiver or browse the resumes of nannies and babysitters looking for a child care position. Fees may be associated with these services and parents are responsible for checking references. Some sites partner with background check agencies whose services are available for an additional cost.
For additional assistance, contact your EAP for references.