How to Find a Homeschool Caregiver
In previous articles I discussed the need for homeschool caregivers and how such an service could be of tremendous help to many homeschoolers. The main reason a homeschool caregiver is needed is because many working parents want to homeschool, and are willing to do so in the evenings, but kids still need a safe place to stay during the day.
The problem with finding a homeshcool caregiver however, is that there are very few people currently providing this service and many homeschoolers in need of it. If you are a single working parent who wants to homeschool, or if you are a dual income family where one person cannot stay home to homeschool, you still have some options for finding a homeschool caregiver.
Ask other homeschoolers if they would be willing to keep your child a couple days a week, or perhaps all week. When I was a new homeschooler, I had many people make the same request, but I turned them down. Firstly I didn't want to be tied down all week with someone elses child as that could limit any spontaneity in our homeschool program. Also, I didn't see the value of working with other kids in addition to my own at the time, and I still have reservations depending on the child, but if it is a good match, and you can have your kids in one home a couple of days, and another home for the rest of the week, it may turn out to be a win-win situations for you and them.
Put up a help-wanted ad at your church or someplace where you will find people you can trust. You may find a stay at home mom looking to make a little extra money. You may find someone who is running an at-home childcare center and may be willing to take your child as well. Their other children may be younger than your child, but your child could actually be a help to them.
Invite a nanny, tutor, or other child care worker/tutor to work in your home just as you would if your child was an infant. If you can't pay enough to make it worth their while to watch one or two elementary school age or tween children, consider teaming up with another homeschool family and splitting the cost having someone care for your children.
The problem with finding a homeshcool caregiver however, is that there are very few people currently providing this service and many homeschoolers in need of it. If you are a single working parent who wants to homeschool, or if you are a dual income family where one person cannot stay home to homeschool, you still have some options for finding a homeschool caregiver.
Ask other homeschoolers if they would be willing to keep your child a couple days a week, or perhaps all week. When I was a new homeschooler, I had many people make the same request, but I turned them down. Firstly I didn't want to be tied down all week with someone elses child as that could limit any spontaneity in our homeschool program. Also, I didn't see the value of working with other kids in addition to my own at the time, and I still have reservations depending on the child, but if it is a good match, and you can have your kids in one home a couple of days, and another home for the rest of the week, it may turn out to be a win-win situations for you and them.
Put up a help-wanted ad at your church or someplace where you will find people you can trust. You may find a stay at home mom looking to make a little extra money. You may find someone who is running an at-home childcare center and may be willing to take your child as well. Their other children may be younger than your child, but your child could actually be a help to them.
Invite a nanny, tutor, or other child care worker/tutor to work in your home just as you would if your child was an infant. If you can't pay enough to make it worth their while to watch one or two elementary school age or tween children, consider teaming up with another homeschool family and splitting the cost having someone care for your children.
Published by A. Hermitt
Andrea Hermitt is an artist by nature and an educator by necessity. As a homeschooling mom of 10 years, she stays current in all things educational, and cutting edge to help her homeschool her children, and... View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentI've had this same problem. For the first few years we homeschooled, I was a stay-at-home mom, but financial circumstances forced me back into the work force. I had friends helping me some days, and my husband re-arranged his days off to be home a couple days during the week. But, it got too hard to keep finding help, so I have hired a homeschooled teen to come to my house 1-2 days per week. She oversees his homework, plays with him, and keeps him out of trouble - he's nearly 9. I think the service you speak of would be great. I know other families in the same boat we are.