"Families are meant to be the inspiration to reach great heights and our comfort when we falter."

• Overview
• Connecting Families with Respite Providers
• TLC Events for Parents & Families
• Accessible Family Vacations
• Adaptive Adventures & Kid’s Camps
• General Information & Ideas

FAQs Concerning Family and Care Provider Relations

Our FAQ & A sheet is “in progress”, yet, we’ve addressed the most common question so you won’t feel empty handed, having hit a dead end! Additionally, enjoy ideas on how to acquire the respite you need.

Q: What is the “going rate” for care providers in Marin?

A: First, please be patient with our non-definitive answer! Second, consider some of our suggestions! Surprisingly, the range is great. Care providers can expect to be paid anywhere from $10 - $25 per hour. Of course that coincides with their age and experience, for instance an under 18 babysitter acting as a Dad’s/Mom’s helper might earn $10 or less per hour. Someone with nursing skills might request more than $25. The average care provider wage rate is about $18 per hour for children with special needs. The Regional Center’s awarded respite hours are paid at $10.71 per hour.

Try to not put your care provider search in a box! Consider the following ideas and resources:

1. Seek out a variety of respite opportunities
• Dad/Mom’s helper: A person willing to simply be a ‘second pair of hands’ to supervise and interact with your child while you’re present, either at your home or on an outing.
• Outdoor buddy: Someone willing to simply take your child to the park, for a push in their wheelchair or to play ball in the backyard with your child who has Autism. This gives parents a moment of quiet and “space” to do chores, read a book or even take a longer shower! Yet, you’re nearby and/or available to help if needed.
• For your family vacation (yes, this can happen!) suggest to a care provider that they come along, yet have several hours off to enjoy the vacation spot, allowing that to supplement their fees.
• Hire someone to ‘shuttle’ your child to therapy, where their supervision will not be required the entire time, hence they’re paid less, yet you get more than an hour of respite!
2. Review the care provider’s postings at care.com/TLC. You’ll see a variety of hourly wage expectations that give you a further idea of the “going rate”.
3. Avoid seeing an unaffordable wage rate in your mind that causes you to “give up” and/or think “We just can’t afford this”. Keeping in mind this is, of course, a valid concern…
• Consider seeking out volunteers from churches and other non-profits with ‘care ministries’. Of course, some folks might be unwilling and/or inexperienced working with special needs. Yet, if they’re invited as “helper” (with you nearby) maybe they’ll learn!
• Asking family and friends can be complicated. However, consider that any time your child spends with these folks is a chance for them to better understand your child who is in their “circle of life”. They might learn a bit more about you and your life as well.
• When interviewing, be assertive about offering a lower wage. Suggest a ‘starting rate’ and if things work out, a review and/or wage raise after 1-3 months, for example.
4. Keep several people on your list of providers. Yes, right now you might be amazed to simply find one care provider! Once you’ve had opportunity to find a match to assist with your family’s needs, don’t quit the search! Find and keep a variety of helpers and backups for various scenarios and for when someone might not be available.

We realize this is all very much “easier said than done”, hence we’ve founded The LaChris Connection to do for you as many of these steps and/or suggestions as possible. We’re here to serve and help with this very important goal that can reinforce the health of your family.