I think finding a mom in your son's class is the best option, then the college/HS student (knowing this could change every few months when class schedules and after school activities/sports change) then the cab. It's probably not too late to try and network w/ other moms. Does the school have a facebook page? Post something on there.

I would try to find a nanny or sitter in the neighborhood that maybe has to get older kids after your son gets out of school.

When I was a nanny the family across the street paid me to go into their house before the Middle schooler got home and just wait for him. Once he was in the house I could leave. They just didnt want him walking into a house that had been empty all day. They paid me $10 to do this.

I would think you could find someone to do this for you,

She will have to bring seats with her and install. I would try to find a nanny who has a break in the day or a SAHM at the school who may do it for $20 a day or so.

With a new baby coming, you might consider hiring a college student to do a two hour shift starting at that time. That way, the college student could pick up your preschooler, drive him home, and then help grandma with the baby/housework for a little while and give grandma a break. If the baby is difficult more fussy, then grandma might enjoy having time to focus on older grandchild exclusively at that time every day. But even if the baby is "easy" grandma will likely appreciate having someone else to fold laundry, clean up messes, wash bottles, and so on for a little while when she is juggling two kids. $250 a week would be pretty tempting to a lot of college students.

You could actually look at high school students to, since your child could be walked home in a stroller. It sounds like it is just your mom's health that makes the distance on walkable. If the high school in your area gets out before then, and if there are any students who are not constantly in afterschool programs, this would be a great job for a highschooler. Walk to the preschool with the stroller, walk the child home, help grandma for a little while, then walk back to their own house.

I'll give it a try. I think less than 50 would be pretty good indeed.

I am PP who suggested the taxi. A standing order is a great idea. The cab driver must comply with car seat laws. However, he will start the meter when she starts to put then in and he will be peeved unless you tip him well. I think a respectful tip is due anyway. One thing I don"t know is whether he will charge the dollar or fifty cents per head. Can you do a test run? If it costs you less than $50, which is what I would have to charge you, then you should probably got with it.

The taxi idea is not bad actually. I could try to book a 'standing order', and I would feel much better knowing that my mum will not forget to get my son, and he'll be happier to see grandma at pick up rather than a stranger. It is still much cheaper than daycare, and I know it is a blessing to have my mum not only taking care if my children, but really liking it too and enjoying her relationship with them.

What is the law concerning car seats in the cab? Would we have to put it in and out every time? One complicating factor is, there will be a new baby come October, so it would be two car seats...

* knew, sorry

Thank you for the replies. I am quite aware pick up is important and my mum as well. She'd walk to her death if she new her little boy was waiting for her. I am quite willing to pay someone well for this, if only someone can be found.

Pick up is VERY IMPORTANT - please make sure whomever you hire is reliable and paid well - enough to make it worth their while. As a former preschool teacher nothing is sadder that watching a little one worry about why no one came to pick him up - or worse - try to make excuses for the parent who is late. Please do not be casual about this.

Can you pay grandmas round trip cab fare? Ten minutes shouldn't cost much.

When you get to the school ask the principal about putting up a sign somewhere. Ask the teacher if she can give you a list of email addresses of the class.

I was hoping to find a mom as well. We are new to the school so don't know anyone yet. I will have some time off work, and will be able to do the pick up my self for a few weeks, so I am hoping to find someone then. I was asking just in case I can't find anyone...

It will be extremely hard to find someone to accept such a small job and commit to it. Maybe $15-$20/day plus gas? Have you checked around for another mom who may be willing to do the pick up? Maybe in exchange for a date night once or twice a month?

Hi,

This Fall, I will need to hire someone to pick up my 3yo from preK at 3pm and drop him off at mum's house, about 5 min away by car. My mum is able to watch my son but can't walk that far everyday, especially if the weather is not good, for health reasons. She also does not drive. My questions are: 1. Can you hire someone just for this? 2. How much should I expect to pay? Thank you!