As seen in the Daily Telegraph
By SUE DUNLEVY - April 26, 2006
Child Care for free  For the full story read on:

The Daily Telegraph
Edition 1 - StateWED 26 APR 2006, Page 007
Can't get childcare download a nanny
By SUE DUNLEVY

AN internet service is helping working mothers save on their childcare bills by matching them with other parents willing to share the care of children.
With childcare waiting lists now running into months -- and some centres charging around $100 a day -- an enterprising mother has devised a modern version of an age-old solution.
The childcare that used to be worked out between friends and neighbours has gone hi-tech, with an online system which promises built-in security safeguards for children.
Website founder Leone Han said 1000 parents had registered on her Kidzcare website since it was set up 15 months ago.
Parents register their location and working hours and the website matches them with other parents nearby who want to share the care of their children instead of paying for care.
``If one mother works Mondays and Tuesday we link her with one that works Wednesday and Thursdays so they can share care,'' Ms Han said.
``We've taken the concept of the dating industry and extended it to parents.''
Working mother Lindsay Osfield, from Manly, said she used the website four months ago when she was unable to find a nanny.
``I found a mum who lived at the end of my street and she had a little boy the same age,'' Ms Osfield said.
``I didn't know her beforehand, it was just luck she was in the area.''
Ms Osfield heard about the website through her mothers' group.
``I ended up getting a nanny because I'm working four days a week and had no time to look after the other person's child.
``You have to be very trusting,'' she said.
The website claims to allow people to search for police checks and the childcare qualifications of those registered, but it takes no responsibility once it matches clients.
Unlike long day care centres and family day care, the care arrangements are not subject to any government standards.
``Kidzcare is an introduction site, allowing parents to swap days for childcare, meet, interview and select their very own carers, babysitters and nannies,'' the website says.
``We are not involved in any employment arrangements and do not make any recommendations, it is up to the parent and babysitter/nanny to follow through with the details.''
The site also allows nannies and babysiters to register so they can be contacted by parents looking for more formalised paid care.
Caption:  Sharing the care ... Leone Han looks after Damon Panetta, 3, and Adriana Sarcasmo, 13
Illus:  Photo
Section:  LOCAL

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