Bloomington Babysitting Co-op
Families sharing childcare since 1954
A trusted, non-profit cooperative of up to 30 Bloomington Minnesota families exchanging safe, reliable childcare with no money changing hands. Just time.
Families sharing childcare since 1954
A trusted, non-profit cooperative of up to 30 Bloomington Minnesota families exchanging safe, reliable childcare with no money changing hands. Just time.
About the Co-op
The Babysitting Cooperative is a well-established, non-profit organization comprised of up to 30 Bloomington, Minnesota families that exchange safe, reliable, short-term childcare with each other. No money ever changes hands; we trade our time.
Active since 1954, the Co-op exists to enable parents to be away from their children without concern for their welfare and without financial restrictions.
Before joining, consider your ability to give back: you'll need to sit roughly as often as you go out.
Sits or favors can be arranged for weekdays, weeknights, and any time of day or night. The unit of exchange is the hour per family (not per child).
Could you use some time for…
Volunteering at school or church
Grocery shopping or errands
Hair or doctor appointments
Working on house projects
Attending a concert or event
Date night!
Could you use some help with…
Picking up a child from an activity
A ride to or from the airport
Checking in on a pet while away
The Co-op is a tremendous childcare resource for day-to-day activities, though not a replacement for regular daycare. Some members sit primarily during the day, others evenings and weekends. Families can also exchange occasional favors for transportation or other practical support. It is especially valuable for families who don’t have many relatives available to assist with their babysitting needs, or want to enjoy going out without imposing on their family or friends.
Membership
The Co-op is limited to 30 families. All prospective members must meet eligibility requirements and complete the application process.
Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. The process includes the following steps, which typically take 4-6 weeks to complete:
Phone Interview
The process begins with a brief phone interview with the Vice Chair.
In-Home Interview
An in-home interview with the Vice Chair follows the initial phone call.
Application
A membership application is submitted to the Vice Chair for review.
Member Interview
A current Co-op member conducts a second interview.
Background Check
References are contacted and a background check is completed on all adult family members.
Feedback and determination
Feedback is solicited from all current members and the final determination is communicated to the applicant.
