Overview:
As a caregiver, your primary responsibility is the safety, well-being, and care of the child. However, there may be some additional tasks that come with the role, specifically those related to the child’s daily needs and immediate environment. Below outlines what is generally expected of you and what tasks fall outside the scope of your responsibilities.
Responsibilities Typically Expected of Caregivers:
Caring for the child, including feeding, changing, and engaging in activities.
Cleaning up after the child, such as washing dishes they used, tidying up toys, and maintaining a clean and safe play environment.
Responsibilities That Are Not Typically Expected:
Household chores that are unrelated to the child’s care, such as cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, or doing the family’s laundry.
To clarify expectations, please refer to the chart below:
Tasks | OK to Do | Not OK to Do |
Cleaning up after the child (dishes, toys, etc.) | ✔ Yes |
|
Tidying the child's room or play area | ✔ Yes |
|
Preparing meals for the child | ✔ Yes |
|
Cleaning the bathroom(s) |
| ✘ No |
Cleaning the kitchen (beyond child-related mess) |
| ✘ No |
Doing household laundry |
| ✘ No |
Vacuuming common areas |
| ✘ No |
Summary:
Caregiving responsibilities can vary, but in the context of backup care, your primary and only responsibility is the care of the child. Open communication with the engagement team and family is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page about what is expected.