Home Childcare

Many parents prefer a home childcare situation for their child or children. Choosing a childcare situation can be stressful and even risky at times, but if you do your homework and stay informed, you can find a caring environment that is satisfactory for you and your child. Don't forget to post your comments and stories on our Website because we'd love to know what you think!

The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education allows visitors to the site to check each individual state's child care licensure regulation requirements. Before you choose a home childcare, you should visit your state's Web page to find out what the regulations are regarding a home daycare situation. Once you've done so, you can use this information as you interview home childcare businesses.

The regulations are typically very specific, with rules governing some if not all of the following topics:

• Licensing Procedures-This may include applying, withdrawal, renewal, advertising, and department visits and/or consultations.
• Home Information-This may include regulations pertaining to the location, indoor/outdoor areas, transportation, and emergency procedures.
• Licensee and Members of the Household Information-This may include information on health, character and suitability, qualifications, finances, substitutes, and other employment.
• Care of the Children-You can typically find the regulations on this topic as it pertains to supervision, care, health, child abuse reporting, food service, disciplinary practices, outdoor play, pick-up and drop-off procedures, release of the children, and parent/guardian visits.
• Administration-This may include administrative responsibilities, such as record keeping and reports.
• Corrective Actions-Corrective action procedures such as the withdrawal or suspension of a license, as well as probationary status and penalties, should be listed. Hearings and appeals may also be discussed.
• Equipment List-The equipment should meet suggested guidelines.
• Meal and Snack Info-There may also be guidelines in place to govern meals and snacks.

Trying to decide between a home childcare environment and a daycare facility really comes down to what you are looking for in a childcare provider. Some of the advantages of a home daycare provider include the following:

• Size-With strict licensing regulations, a home daycare provider should only keep a limited amount of children.
• One-on-One Time-A smaller environment means that your child should receive more one-on-one attention. Of course, this will rely somewhat on the number and ages of the children that are kept.
• Economical-In a lot of cases, a home childcare will be less expensive than other childcare options.
• Flexible Scheduling-Home daycares may offer more flexible scheduling.
• Home-Like Environment-Your child may be cared for in a more nurturing environment.

Of course, just as there are advantages, there are also disadvantages as well.

• Overload-If the childcare provider is keeping the maximum amount of children, she may be overloaded, and your child may not receive the individual attention that she needs.
• No Backup Plan-If your caregiver is a one-woman show, you may be searching for alternative care if she becomes too sick to care for your child.
• Lack of Training-While of course there are cases in which a caregiver is the perfect babysitter for your child, she may not have any formal training or education.

As you begin searching for the perfect home childcare environment, keep the following points in mind:

• Does the home appear to be a bright, happy place?
• What is the personality of the caregiver? Is she patient, positive, and cheerful?
• How is disciplined handled, and will it fit in with your philosophy?
• What are the play areas, both inside and out, like? Are there lots of clean, well-kept toys, books, and arts and craft activities?
• How clean is the home, yard, etc.?
• Where will the children eat and sleep?
• What type of food will be served?
• How much TV will the children watch?
• What type of first aid training has the caregiver had?
• What is her policy on pick-up and drop-off, and who will be allowed to pick up your child?
• How long has she been in business?
• What are the ages of the children who stay in her home?

Finally, if you are considering starting a home childcare business of your own, you need to be aware of the following:

• Know your state's regulations regarding licensing.
• Make a budget that includes start-up costs, supplies, insurance,
• Create a good record keeping system to keep track of everything to do with the business.
• Consider how many children you are equipped to care for.
• Follow your state's regulations on advertising.
• Decide on important policies, such as rates, cancellations, sickness, etc.
• For more information, visit this site.

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