Got back-up child care? You probably know you can use it for emergencies. That’s what it was born for. If your sitter cancels while you’re eating lunch, back-up care can be searching a pinch hitter before you finish your sandwich.
Correct. But guess what. There’s more to it. Look beneath the hood and you’ll find a lot of uses you may not have considered.
What are a few back-up care hacks you need to know about?
- Get to work early or late: Need to fill a gap outside conventional hours? Back-up care works shifts early and late, even before buses start running and school bells ring. Just be mindful of minimum care sessions (often four hours) when you book.
- Get to those business functions: Company event? Client meeting? Industry conference? No sweat. Use a back-up day. Make your event — even if it’s on a weekend.
- Survive homework: Chemistry causing tears (yours)? Tutors are part of back-up care — for any subject, any age. Virtual or live help even includes SAT prep. Extra credit? Booking through your benefits means it’s all at a discount. Hire a tutor. Enjoy your family time.
- Save your PTO: Don’t use vacation days when school’s out. Call in back-up care (fun fact — many programs include access to camps during summer and school vacations). Use your benefits; save your vacation; take time off later for something fun.
- RTO: Heading back to office after a schedule change or a new baby? Give back-up care a try. A few tryout days get you back in the groove while you figure out the hours and commutes that work best. Choose something near home or work. Even better, find a center you love and you might be able to turn it into your full-time solution.
All benefits are subsidized by your employer (you just pay the copay for care, for example) you’ll pay a lot less than if you booked on your own.
