Need a Childcare Solution for When Kids Are Sick and You Can't Leave Work ASAP

how about other moms where your kids go to school? perhaps you could speak with the school secretary or your childs teacher or post on a bulletin board at school? i bet theres a lot of single moms in your position at your kids school, maybe they have suggestions or solutions? or you might find a sahm who would be willing to look after your little ones when they are sick for a few extra bucks? just throwing out suggestions.... I also saw a post here on mamasource about a place called sitter city, you might check that out too. good luck!!

As one working mom to another, I've found that when my kids get sick, usually I get sick, too, so I get to use up all my sick time in a quality fashion with all of us throwing up together! =) (Sorry, it's been one of those weeks around here!)

Now, if your new job does not offer sick time, try and find a SAHM that you know who is willing to watch your kids occasionally. For me, this has been our former nanny, who left our employ to stay home with her new baby. She's usually willing to pinch-hit for me, so I've put her on the list at our school of "people who have my permission to pick my child up." This has come in handy on several occasions.

Last but not least, there may be an hourly daycare near you that can accept sick kids as long as they're not TOO sick. (Try Kids Park, or there may be others similar to that...)

Good luck with everything!

I've done some childcare searches on Craigslist to some success, and there are people there who advertise themselves as "emergency babysitters." Create yourself a roster of people who you can call on. Search and interview now so you'll be ready if the time comes.

http://www.sickchildcareprogram.com/home

This program is out of Berkeley, but I remember seeing something similar from a package I received from the Sunnyvale community center. You may be able to contact them to see if there is a similar program in your area.

There are emergency child care services for the "not that sick but sick enough to stay out of school" kids.

what part of town are you in?