• Caregiving is distributed among trusted members of the household, ensuring that no single parent or guardian is overwhelmed.

• This fosters a culture of collaboration and reduces the emotional and physical strain on individual caregivers.

• CareShare builds a support network where parents and guardians can rely on others for assistance, particularly during emergencies or challenging times.

• Children benefit from exposure to diverse perspectives and relationships within the community.

• By pooling resources and sharing responsibilities, CareShare eliminates the high costs associated with traditional childcare services, making it a financially sustainable option for members.

  
  

The logistics of CareShare are carefully designed to align with Finding Camelot’s communal lifestyle, ensuring the program integrates seamlessly into the shared living environment while meeting the needs of both children and adults. CareShare leverages the communal nature of Finding Camelot households to create a rotational caregiving system.

By tailoring the program to fit its communal lifestyle, Finding Camelot not only provides practical childcare solutions but also strengthens the bonds of trust, cooperation, and mutual support that are central to the organization’s mission. This model ensures that families and caregivers thrive together in a system designed for collective growth and resilience.

• Each household develops a custom schedule for members to take turns providing childcare for the children of the household. This could be on a daily, weekly, or situational basis, depending on the household’s needs.

• Schedules are set during weekly household meetings, allowing families to coordinate based on individual availability and needs.

• Members can trade or adjust caregiving shifts if unexpected circumstances arise, ensuring the program adapts to real-life dynamics.

To accommodate the diverse needs of children within the community, CareShare organizes children into age-appropriate groups, ensuring a balance of safety, education, and social interaction.

• Infants and Toddlers: Focus on nurturing, safety, and developmental play.

• School-Age Children: Activities emphasize learning, creativity, and structured independence.

• Teens: Opportunities to mentor younger children or participate in leadership roles within the program.

This tiered system allows caregivers to tailor their approach, making it manageable and effective within a communal setting.

CareShare capitalizes on Finding Camelot’s shared resources to reduce the costs and logistics of traditional childcare.

• Shared Spaces: Communal living spaces (like living rooms, backyards, or playrooms) are designated as childcare hubs during caregiving shifts.

• Pooled Supplies: Families contribute toys, educational materials, and other resources, reducing the need for individual purchases.

• Meal Prep Assistance: Shared kitchens make meal prep for children during caregiving shifts more efficient, with designated caregivers using communal resources to provide snacks and meals.

The program is governed democratically, reflecting Finding Camelot’s communal values.

Weekly Household Meetings

• Members discuss childcare logistics, address concerns, and plan schedules collectively.

• Decisions about caregiving practices, rules, and resource allocation are made as a group.

• The Executive Homemaker ensures the program runs smoothly, schedules are fair, and resources are distributed equitably.
  

Finding Camelot equips members with the tools and confidence needed to participate effectively in CareShare.

• Members receive training in age-appropriate care, safety protocols, and conflict resolution

• Caregivers are encouraged to share best practices and build a supportive network.

• Regular check-ins during household meetings ensure caregivers have the resources and assistance they need to succeed.

• Additional support is provided for caregivers with less experience or those caring for children with special needs.

CareShare respects Finding Camelot’s commitment to privacy as a commodity, balancing communal care with individual family autonomy.

• Households have the flexibility to establish boundaries around caregiving roles and responsibilities.

• Families can share specific instructions or preferences but, as long as individual needs are met, micromanagment of other parents is not tolerated within the communal framework.

In a communal setting, disagreements will arise. CareShare integrates nonviolent communication and collaborative problem-solving into its structure to address conflicts effectively.

• Designated leaders step in to facilitate resolution if disputes arise over schedules, caregiving styles, or responsibilities.

• Household agreements established during meetings create clarity around expectations, minimizing misunderstandings.

CareShare is more than a cooperative babysitting service—it is a program that fosters learning and development within a communal setting.

• Art projects, music sessions, and storytelling use materials pooled by the household.

• Older children and teens are encouraged to participate as mentors, helping younger children with homework or teaching skills like cooking or gardening.

• Households can coordinate group trips to parks, libraries, or local events, enriching children’s experiences and building stronger bonds.

CareShare’s structure includes contingencies for emergencies or unexpected needs.

• A rotating list of backup caregivers ensures that someone is always available if a scheduled caregiver cannot fulfill their shift.

• Households establish clear guidelines for handling emergencies, from medical issues to urgent scheduling conflicts.

Finding Camelot ensures CareShare is scalable and adaptable for its diverse households and properties.

• Each property tailors CareShare to its unique demographics and resources, ensuring flexibility and inclusivity.

• Opportunities for cross-property collaboration, such as shared events or special programs, create a sense of unity across the broader Finding Camelot community.

  
  

1. For Children:

• Gain exposure to a wider range of role models and experiences within a secure, familiar environment.

• Develop social skills by interacting with peers and other adults.

2. For Parents:

• Alleviates the stress and financial burden of childcare.

• Encourages a sense of community and trust, reducing feelings of isolation often experienced by caregivers.

3. For the Community:

• Strengthens bonds among members, fostering a culture of shared accountability and mutual care.

• Creates an environment where raising children is seen as a communal responsibility, embodying the “it takes a village” philosophy.

By offering children consistent, nurturing care from multiple trusted adults, CareShare helps create a sense of security and belonging, which is essential for healthy emotional development. Parents also benefit from relief and support, reducing the stress and pressures that often perpetuate cycles of generational trauma.

CareShare is more than a childcare program—it is a community-driven solution that reinforces Finding Camelot’s commitment to empowering families, fostering emotional intelligence, and building resilient, interconnected communities. By sharing the responsibility of raising the next generation, CareShare helps ensure that every child and family has the support they need to thrive.