What is your child care plan?

[thanka2]

Hi Spockey, I think the $50 HKD/hour rate really only applies if you book the person for a certain number of hours a week and it may vary by where in HK you're looking--you do have to make it worth their while. So, if she comes for half-day (4 hours) 2-3 times/week then you could probably do the $50 HKD/hour thing. The price we negotiated with the lady who helped us was negotiated between us--the agency is only responsible to train and recommend help--they don't deal with the financial side of things. My Mandarin improved A LOT when the local lady was here with us (she is actually from Mainland China but married to a local man and a permanent resident here). I will look for the information again. The last time I saw the numbers and names for the agency was back 2 years ago!

[spockey]

Thanks Thanka. That would be ideal for us... a Mainlander who lives here.
I'm going to try and put an ad up at the local job network too.

[curiousmummy]

Hi Thanka, would appreciate if you can PM me the information of the agency too.
Thank you!

[canadienne]

This is such a difficult decision to make because, ultimately, it's about what is best for our kids (or kids-to-be!) and that has to include what is best for our own sanity. I am hoping to find one or two other like-minded parents in my neighbourhood to share some childcare, and also really hoping that the part-time-but-legal situation works out. I know it's so, so common to hire through the illegal way, but for some reason it still sketches me out.

I wonder if this is the organization Thanka2 worked with:
Our Services > Co-operation with the Employees Retraining Board - Domestic Helper Retraining Course

[cloud9cruiser]

Hi, a little late on this post. I would prefer a babysitting co-op with SAHMs. As there is no money involved, you find people who truly love kids and want to have a community. I live in Sheung Wan if anyone is interested in shared babysitting.