• Make plans beforehand.

  As a parent, you need to plan for the future and consider situations that could affect your regular childcare.

• Consider your family's needs.

  Talk with your spouse/partner about upcoming events that will affect your child's childcare center. Don't wait until there's a crisis to develop alternate plans. You also need to consider what needs your child may have such as special medical-related care, your child's ability to adapt to new environments, etc.

• Use a family calendar.

  Purchase a calendar to use for your family and enter all scheduled school vacations, school and work holidays, medical appointments, and other events that will require back-up childcare.

• Consider your options.

  Become familiar with your employer's policies regarding taking time off work (appropriate use of sick days, amount of notice required to take a day off work, etc.). You may not be aware of certain benefits or options that are currently available to you as an employee.

• Develop a resource list.

  Start a notebook that includes the names, addresses and phone numbers of resources for back-up childcare. Keep the resource list updated and store it in an easy-to-find location at home. You should keep copies of these resources at work too.

• Be flexible.

  No matter how well you plan, there will be situations that you cannot anticipate. Try to maintain an optimistic attitude. Backup childcare is part of the whole spectrum of providing on-going childcare. Other parents have found ways to deal with this and you can, too.

Options for Back-up Childcare

• Family and friends

  Your family, neighbors, friends and regular baby sitters can be good sources of back-up care.

• Childcare centers

  Some childcare centers offer back-up care to extra children as part of their services. Other parents can be good sources of information about this type of service.

• Family childcare

  Family childcare providers care for a child in their home. If you have a family childcare provider, he or she may know other providers willing to take another child on a short-term basis.

• Back-up childcare centers

  There are some childcare centers designed to provide back-up care, sometimes specifically for sick children. You may consider asking your employer to pay for emergency back-up childcare f or employees on a first-come, first-served basis.

• School programs

  Many schools have before and after-school childcare programs, and may offer these services during school vacations or specific holidays. Some nonprofit agencies also offer after-school programs for children.

Resources: United Way 2-1-1™ is a free and confidential, 24/7 helpline that can connect you to over 40,000 community programs and resources. Just dial 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211.