Hello from the Avenues Babysitting Coop!
San Francisco neighbors and parents were inspired to create this cooperative community in 2025 for the purpose of supporting each other with childcare, building relationships between families, and strengthening our resilience. This is a community-based effort that exists and evolves thanks to the participation of all. Ways to be involved include offering and receiving childcare “sits” which we exchange in tracked hours, attending community building events irl, independently connecting with your neighbors (using the map to find each other), hosting playgroups, or joining one or more of the organizing teams. So far we have over 60 families who have expressed interest, exchanged 30+ sits and our kids are infants through elementary aged!We span the entire western side of SF, both the Sunset and the Richmond. If you’re interested in joining, 👉 Fill out the Interest Form and we’ll get back to you asap!
FAQs
Is there a membership fee?
Nope! The co-op is entirely volunteer run and free.What if I can't babysit as much as I need sits?
The system balances out over time. Some families sit more, others request more. As long as you're actively participating and trying to contribute, you're good. If you haven’t been active for 3 months, we’ll remove you but you can always apply again.How do I know I can trust people with my kids?
We encourage everyone to meet 2-3 families in person before doing sits. Many families start with playdates or park meetups. You're always in control of who you ask to sit and who you sit for.What's the time commitment? Whatever works for you! Some families do one sit per month, others do more. We ask that you engage in a sit and a community event at least once per quarter to stay connected.What ages of kids are in the co-op?
We have families with infants through elementary-aged children.What neighborhoods are included?
Currently Richmond and Sunset. We're neighborhood-based so families are close enough to actually help each other.Can I join if I've never babysat before?
Yes! Many members are learning as they go. We have babysitting guidelines and you can start with easier sits (like after-bedtime supervision).
Related Reading
How to Start a Babysitting Co-op
Sharing the LoadAvenues Babysitting Co-op is a community initiative by parents, for parents. We are not a childcare provider and do not assume liability for childcare arrangements.