New Company, Launched in Phoenix, Caribou, Screens Moms and Pairs to Ensure Ideal Caregiving Situations
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on parents. It has also shed a light on the ever-present “Mommy Wars” – the often-unspoken debate about mother’s working outside the house versus being a stay-at-home mom. Research shows, 71% of moms currently work outside the home, while 29% are opting to stay home. That number is up 6% from 1999.
COVID-19 and the ongoing fallout from the global pandemic has caused many working parents to reevaluate the value of staying home with their children – and, in cases where they can’t say at home – the importance of finding a care provider who shares similar rearing philosophies in an environment that mimics being at home.
A new company just launched in the Phoenix marketplace, called Caribou, is focused on alleviating childcare challenges, like overpopulated daycare centers, a lack of qualified caregivers and long waitlists at facilities across the Valley, by matching fully-vetted stay-at-home moms with families looking for childcare.
Started by working moms, Caribou’s mission is to provide high-quality childcare that’s easy to set up, affordable and customized for each families’ individual needs. Caribou provides the highest quality of care for a fraction of the cost of a nanny.
The company connects stay-at-home moms who have a child of their own with families looking for high-quality care at a reasonable cost. Caribou offers a personalized approach and support, including an easy-to-use online platform to communicate directly with vetted care providers and handle bookings. You no longer have to scroll through pages of care providers, Caribou provides a curated list of fully-vetted stay-at-home moms based on the needs and preferences of families looking for care.
Another benefit of the Caribou program is the support provided to women opting to stay home with their kids. Many families today need more than one income to survive.
“I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom to my daughter but, I also wanted to help support my family from a fiscal standpoint,” said Stephanie McAlpine, Caribou’s local ambassador. “Being a care provider with Caribou is the best of both worlds for my family. I am able to stay at home with my daughter and provide the kind of care she deserves, plus help other moms in my community have a safe and comfortable place to leave their child and I am earning an income. It’s a win-win-win.”
“At Caribou, we remove the stigma that a stay-at-home mom isn’t a ‘real job,’” added McAlpine. “Stay-at-home moms can provide a valuable service and earn an income for their hard work. And for people who use our services, they know their children are getting superior care that will set them up for success in the future both socially and emotionally.”
Caribou has a dedicated team that conducts interviews and vets all care providers including an identity verification check and extensive background check prior to starting care. On average, Caribou care providers have 10 or more years of experience in the childcare space in addition to being a mom. Online matching is essential to connecting families with caregivers who share common ideas and strategies for child-rearing.
Since launching Caribou, more than 200 stay-at-home moms across Metro Phoenix are providing safe and personalized in home care for children. Caribou childcare services are currently available in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale and Peoria.
For more information, visit withcaribou.com/
