Becoming A Latchkey Gram Two Hours A Day

When I was a child I would return home after school to an empty house. The myriad of issues and residual challenges have given me countless opportunities to address personal and social obstacles throughout my lifetime. My hope is to see this page spark inspiration for the elders in each community, to mobilize and provide a private sector service, which will eliminate the hardship for other children in the future.

The basic outline to mobilize this project is contained on this page. Be sure to research more into your local community child care, business regulations, and self employment requirements before moving forward. In the best possible scenario each Latchkey Gram would attain a position with someone they already know. However, this isn't always possible, so I have also included ways to meet your potential client. Each Latchkey Gram would network with others so they can be virtually connected to others in the same industry.

Image credit Public Domain Commercial License Pixabay

I hope this overview will spark community initiative and mobilize Latchkey Gram services everywhere they are needed.

Basic Service Skills:

The top three skills a Latchkey Gram should have or attain:

1. Mobile (walking or driving),

2. Communication skills (native or acquired language of the child in their care),

3. Meal preparation (appropriate to the child’s meal plan)

Top Three Tasks:

1. Accompany the child home from school. (Walk with the child, meet the child at the bus stop, or drive him home).

2. Engage in discussion, inspire and assist with homework, direct to tasks outlined by her parent.

3. Prepare a meal (as outlined by his parent)

The average time per day is 2.5 hours. Generally from 3:00-5:30 (each position will vary depending on time of day school is out and time of day his parent returns home from work).

Why Your Child will Benefit From Latchkey Gram

1. A Latchkey Gram is a mature individual (male or female),

a. Adult supervision

b. Communication

2. She has a flexible schedule,

a. She may be available on occasion for days when school is out and you are working.

b. She may be available when school gets out earlier than usual.

c. She may be available when you occasionally work late.

3. A lifetime of experience,

a. Wisdom in multiple life situations.

4. She cares.

a. A Latchkey Gram has entered into this individualized service to provide one on one care for your child.

b. She is compassionate and passionate about you and your child

c. She is providing a service which will avoid preventable situations.

Working Parents Can Relax

When you think about it this is one of the best services to calm the whole family.

How many times have you watched the clock from the time your child gets out of school until you get out of work?

a. Grandparent energy gives children and their parents a sense of security.

How many text messages or phone calls do you get while you are at work from your child?

a. You will have fewer interruptions and be more productive the last two hours of your workday a mature adult who cares for you and your child's needs is on duty until you arrive home.

Would having a nutritious meal waiting for your family to enjoy together benefit all of you?

b. Save money as a result of fewer stops for fast food.

c. Boost nutritional values by having home prepared meals.

d. Improve family engagement with routine together meal time.

e. Save transportation cost to and from an outside child care provider.

Image Credit Public Domain Commercial License Pixabay

The socio economic impact is vast. I am sure you can imagine the benefits in the long term which will prevent the preventable and enhance the best in each person involved. Both caretaker and child will be enriched by each other's friendship.

The cost of the service will be offset by savings in other areas such as:

• -Avoiding fast food (saves money and improves nutrition for the whole family).
• -Avoiding preventable physical dangers (save time and money).
• -Preventing long-term residual challenges for each child.
• -Giving elders enjoyable purpose, financial support, and socializing opportunities.

What would you expect to pay for a Latchkey Gram service?

The industry average (U.S.) range for a caring person to assist as an afterschool companion and meal preparation is $25 for 2.5 hours. Each provider sets their own rates based on their experience, transportation costs, and the task requirements.

Please take the poll above and comment below to elaborate about your answer. I realize many of us could have selected more than one of the items on the list. This guestbook area will allow us to expand on the topic, discuss solutions, network, and create awareness.