1. Do NOT have volunteers run childcare. There are now laws requiring background checks for everyone who offers childcare (even for a single event). If you don’t and anything happens lawyers will go after the personal assets of everyone involved.

2. Licensed childcare provider – If you are going to get childcare, this is the way to go. The questions you want answered in writing (for the above reasons) are:

* Is the provider licensed to provide offsite care?
* Who is responsible for carrying liability insurance? BarCamp? The provider? The funder?
* Check if the venue has any requirements for childcare offered in their space. If they do, then clarify who is responsible for what specific requirements.

Last year we had a deal with a drop-in childcare provider over by Lloyd Center. The parents who used it appreciated us having identified a location and even gotten them a bit of a price break. And, it completely removed CubeSpace from any of the potential issues listed above. I am pretty sure (and you do want to check this with a lawyer) that you can have a sponsor pay for childcare at a licensed facility without them taking on any liability. It would just be like a sponsor paying for any other service.

That childcare is important to you.
It’s a great nice-to-have.

What kind of experience is desired from people staffing the child care?
Should like kids, know how to organize kids’ activities, patience.

Parents themselves only?
That could work.

Child care professionals?
That would be better.

Is first-aid/cpr certification a requirement?
No, but would be great to have.

What would BarCamp need to supply, if anything? Kid-friendly food, toys, baby wipes, etc?
Drawing materials, legos, etc. Parents can be told to bring things with the understanding that toys will be shared.

Would you be willing to volunteer for a childcare shift?
If I go, yes.

Do you know anyone who would like to sponsor childcare?
Another thing that we could do is just put in $5 per hour and pay the sitter directly.