January 22, 2004

Chicago back-up childcare provider pool expands

The back-up child care provider pool has been expanded to include additional resources to accommodate parents living near the Chicago campus.

The program enables parents to make arrangements with a caregiver to provide back-up and limited care solutions in the parents’ home. This childcare option might be ideal for students and faculty with part-time or inconsistent schedules, or staff members who need alternative solutions when their full-time provider is unavailable.

The providers consist of students, childcare workers, parents and community members interested in providing child care services on a limited basis. Since its inception in March 2003, the program has grown to 30 caregivers with some providers now serving families near the Chicago campus.

The program is funded by the University and made available through a collaboration with the Child Care Network of Evanston (CNE). In addition to recruiting and training providers, CNE maintains a listing of the back-up providers, their availability, recommended hourly rate, training credentials, letters of reference, background check verifications, and first aid and CPR certifications.

Call Eileen Canafax at (847) 475-2661, ext. 37, for more information.