Childcare and How its Handled in a Parenting Plan

Childcare arrangements, including afterschool and summer care, require careful planning and coordination between parents to meet the children's needs and support their development.

Defining Childcare Decisions

• Work-related care or the childcare needed when the on-duty parenting is working
• Parents should consider factors such as the quality of care, proximity to each parent's home or workplace, and the children's specific needs and preferences

Types of Childcare

• Daycare
• Afterschool care
• Summer camps
• Babysitters

Childcare Costs

Childcare costs can be significant so it is important to consider the sharing of these expenses in the divorce settlement or parenting plan, detailing each parent's financial responsibilities and how payments will be managed.

Logistics of Childcare

• Provide all childcare providers with comprehensive emergency contact information (agree upon a list)
• Provide detailed information about the children's routines, preferences, and any special needs
• Parents should agree on the appropriate age at which children may be left alone and for how long they can be unsupervised

Key Considerations in Childcare

• Regular Communication
• Consistent Guidelines
• Flexibility and Cooperation
• Documentation