Mother Talkers

Another Netroots Nation Childcare Diary

by Moody Loner

Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:57:53 PM PDT

Yes, once again, I will offer our services for a kids' room at Netroots Nation.

My wife runs the children's programming at Baycon, the Bay Area Regional Science Fiction/Fantasy convention, and we'd be willing to do that at Netroots Nation 08 as well.

This would not be a full daycare, but rather a children's room where parents can bring their kids for the kids to have something to do and the parents to rest. I'll look into childcare requirements in Texas, if they allow we may be able to go the full childcare.

What we do:

We set up a room with panels appropriate for tweens and preteens - teens are generally more interested in the convention.

We also set up activities, arts and crafts, games, and other things for younger children to do, and set aside a safe area for babies and toddlers, along with some chairs for parents to relax in and a changing table.

What we would need:

A space to do it in. Usually Baycon lets us have a function room, but we've done it in a hotel room before.

Volunteers. If we're doing a kid's room, we'd need one or two people to help keep toddlers inside. Particularly if, unlike Baycon, Moody will actually be participating in NN.

Some idea of how many kids and their ages - if it's just a few, it may not be worth doing. OTOH, if it's just a few, Mrs. Moody and one or two other non-political parents might be able to take the group to activities in downtown Austin.

Some ideas for activities or panels. People willing to do Civics for Preteens would be very helpful.

You all are welcome (those in the area at least) to stop by Baycon at the Santa Clara Convention Center over Memorial Day weekend and see what we do. We'd be happy to answer any questions.

On the other hand, if you already have something set up, we'd like to know too. We may actually, if the good Lord's willin' and the crick don't rise, be able to make it this year.

Tags: netroots nation, childcare, children's programming (all tags)

Permalink | 7 comments

  • Bring it. (0 / 0)

    I keep asking, in-world and at Big Orange, if something's being done about childcare. I  only found one diary here mentioning it, and it's been a while.

    So, here goes. Email is in my profile, or will be in a minute.

    by Moody Loner on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 03:59:21 PM PDT

  • wow (0 / 0)

    sounds like a great idea. Unfortunately, won't be making it to NN... it's a bit of a hike from Melbourne!

    by Rachel on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 04:05:57 PM PDT

  • Hi Moody Loner! (0 / 0)

    I am sorry it's taken forever to get back to you. I actually sent out a request for proposal at a babysitting agency, or onsite childcare facility. Thanks for the reminder!

    I believe for a large conference like this one we have to hire professional caretakers. From a liability standpoint they need criminal background checks, CPR training, etc.. What I was hoping to have was an all-day, onsite day care, in which parents can drop their children off all day, or for some hours, and enjoy the conference.

    As I mentioned in my previous diary, I attended a conference in which I was able to leave my baby in the care of a company from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. I actually sent my RFP to that same company, Corporate Kids Events and hope to co-sponsor the care to bring down costs. Actually, here is an idea: What if Baycon worked in conjunction with Corporate Kids and helped sponsor the event? Your name would go on an easel outside the door -- which is how I saw it set up at this other conference. Just a thought...

    by Elisa on Tue Jan 08, 2008 at 10:19:12 PM PDT

    • We're not Baycon (0 / 0)

      We just work with them - and Corporate Kids Events sounds like what we'd like to provide at Baycon, but they won't let us.

      Nevertheless, I'll run a cosponsorship by Artistic Solutions, the company that puts Baycon on. I have little hope that they'll accept, so please don't count on it.

      Don't take this as disappointment - I'm happy that there will be something there! PArticularly something this extensive.

      And I agree with the large conference needing people with background checks and CPR training - which is why my wife and I went through them. After all, Baycon has 2000-2500 attendees.

      Thanks very much for letting us know what's going on, and I hope to see you in Austin!

      by Moody Loner on Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 06:34:37 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    • i would like to bring my kids (0 / 0)

      I believe for a large conference like this one we have to hire professional caretakers. From a liability standpoint they need criminal background checks, CPR training, etc.. What I was hoping to have was an all-day, onsite day care, in which parents can drop their children off all day, or for some hours, and enjoy the conference.

      this makes me much more likely to bring them w/ me- i like it that you won't be relying on volunteers, and i don't mind paying $

      liability is a huge issue- especially w/ wingnuts who think o'reilly is right when he says daily kos is evil- a lunatic could try to kidnap and rescue the children from the clutches of the liberal democrats. i'm not even kidding.  criminal background checks are a must, i think.

      also, if you were using all volunteers i'd worry that a scheduling problem might happen and i'd have to miss some of or maybe even most of the conference.  i'd probably even expect a problem to happen.  i work at a church four mornings a week watching kids during bible study groups and in the nursery for sunday services, and i only have my job because using volunteers didn't work out.  

      by thankgodforairamerica on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:20:39 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    • Thank you (0 / 0)

      We're not sure if we'll have our two with us or not, but knowing that there is an option is nice.

      I appreciate that the folks will be crim checked and CPR trained - as foster parents we have to be extra careful about who we leave the kids with.  It makes life a bit more complicated so it's nice to have that particular barrier removed.

      Jen

      by MrsPastor on Fri Jan 11, 2008 at 10:26:57 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

Permalink | 7 comments