How to Give Back?

[craftymissbeth]

I've been doing a LOT of soul searching lately. I want to use my daycare to help my community... I'm just not sure how. My extended family, dh & I, and a few friends created an organization to help the homeless in the area... but I want to do something more personal. I am seriously considering keeping one spot open that people can use as a "drop in" for job interviews at no charge.

Yes, I know there will be boatloads of people ready to take advantage. I think requiring some sort of proof of the interview would be a start to help with that... and only allowing service for an hour or two at a time maybe?

All paperwork would be required, obviously.. medical forms and such that are required by regs.

I'm probably going to do this regardless of any negative opinions on it,but I want to be aware of the risks ahead of time so I can prepare. Such as how to avoid sick kids showing up.

Thanks in advance!

[Cat Herder]

I keep a couple slots for DFACS cases for free care. I only take them directly from the caseworker that calls me though. These are families with true hard times, not self created dramas.

Once word gets out, expect the churches to start giving your number to everyone... It can get overwhelming. ::

Why not call your local womens shelter directly and work out a deal with them? They prescreen for risks, and you provide care.

[daycare]

I've been doing a LOT of soul searching lately. I want to use my daycare to help my community... I'm just not sure how. My extended family, dh & I, and a few friends created an organization to help the homeless in the area... but I want to do something more personal. I am seriously considering keeping one spot open that people can use as a "drop in" for job interviews at no charge.

Yes, I know there will be boatloads of people ready to take advantage. I think requiring some sort of proof of the interview would be a start to help with that... and only allowing service for an hour or two at a time maybe?

All paperwork would be required, obviously.. medical forms and such that are required by regs.

I'm probably going to do this regardless of any negative opinions on it,but I want to be aware of the risks ahead of time so I can prepare. Such as how to avoid sick kids showing up.

Thanks in advance!

you have a huge heart. I am not trying to be a debbie downer, but what I see you wanting to do would be a lot of paperwork and inviting a lot of possible other illness into your childcare.

I wanted to give back because I was a single mother once and so I did it by setting aside one of my FT spots at a very discounted price. I don't deal with a ton of paperwork, I don't have a ton of people coming in and out and etc.

Maybe you could do something like that?

Sorry not trying to kill your idea......

[ihop]

That's a great idea! I had an extra spot that I couldn't fill so I advertised for a 50% reduced daycare spot for people who didn't get help from the state (since I don't take dhs pay). I required proof of income and documented work hours and no one contacted me on it, I was completely surprised. I posted it for over two months with no takers.

I'm sure you'll have better luck since its drop in.

That's very generous of you. And I'm sure it will be a HUGE help to those who use it.

[Josiegirl]

What a nice idea! I have no advice but maybe to call your resource agency and ask about their suggestions, ideas, regulations?

[Blackcat31]

We have what's called a "crisis nursery". Parents can use up to, I think 72 hours of care continuously for things such as mental health breaks, court appearances, appointments, interviews etc etc if they have no regular care arrangements.

I think the point was to make sure parents had an outlet if they reached their boiling points. Abuse prevention etc...

Anyways, a lot of providers in my area participate in it and are keep a certain number of spaces available to take kids from the crisis nursery on call or on an as needed basis.

If you are wanting to do something like that, I could send you some info about it and you can get some ideas or guidelines to follow as a starting place.

[craftymissbeth]

We have what's called a "crisis nursery". Parents can use up to, I think 72 hours of care continuously for things such as mental health breaks, court appearances, appointments, interviews etc etc if they have no regular care arrangements.

I think the point was to make sure parents had an outlet if they reached their boiling points. Abuse prevention etc...

Anyways, a lot of providers in my area participate in it and are keep a certain number of spaces available to take kids from the crisis nursery on call or on an as needed basis.

If you are wanting to do something like that, I could send you some info about it and you can get some ideas or guidelines to follow as a starting place.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm wanting to do! At first I was just thinking job interviews, but if I can help ANYONE be a better parent in any way just by being here... that's what I want.

[Blackcat31]

Yes, that's exactly what I'm wanting to do! At first I was just thinking job interviews, but if I can help ANYONE be a better parent in any way just by being here... that's what I want.

I sent you the info in a PM

[Naptime yet?]

While in college, I worked in a crisis nursery, but it was run through The United Way. While we did receive kids removed from the home because of abuse/ neglect, we also had parents drop their kids off because they were at their wits end, only to find out later mom wanted to get her nails done.

I commend you, I wish you lots of luck, I am somewhat envious, but just make sure you don't get taken advantage of, it tends to make good intentions go sour.

[momofsix]

you have a huge heart. I am not trying to be a debbie downer, but what I see you wanting to do would be a lot of paperwork and inviting a lot of possible other illness into your childcare.

I wanted to give back because I was a single mother once and so I did it by setting aside one of my FT spots at a very discounted price. I don't deal with a ton of paperwork, I don't have a ton of people coming in and out and etc.

Maybe you could do something like that?

Sorry not trying to kill your idea......

This is pretty much what I do too. Usually I have one spot open for free or reduced rate. It's not something I advertise at all, but I offer it to families that I know could use the break.
With all the paperwork required for each child, even if only here one time, it would be way too much work to do a drop in type thing.

I hope you find something that works for youlovethis

[mema]

Along the same lines as the crisis nursery, we also have one for military families. Providers can sign up to do care at military events. They may also sign up to do drop in care in home for so many hours per month (can't remember what family members get) so the parent who is home with the child can have a Saturday afternoon off to go shopping or do whatever they want.