| Home childcare is an excellent choice if you prefer | | | | meal before dropping her off. This will ensure she |
| a less businesslike approach to childcare. You will | | | | is happy and ready to play until snack time or |
| find that there are fewer children on site, and that | | | | lunch. You may want to ask if you can send an |
| children are in a home with a family or individual | | | | extra snack if you have a toddler who likes to |
| rather than in a business. Home daycare centers | | | | graze in between regular meals and snacks. Home |
| are state licensed, and can provide care for | | | | providers are often willing to work with parents |
| children of all ages. | | | | to find a routine that works well for both the child |
| | | | and the caregiver. |
| What to Look for In a Home Childcare Center | | | | Communicating With Your Home Childcare |
| It is important to note that home childcare | | | | Provider |
| centers will have varying regulations from state | | | | Your child will spend a significant amount of time |
| to state. You will always want to check your | | | | with the caretaker, so good communication is a |
| providers license, and ask questions if you have | | | | must. Make sure that you are comfortable |
| any. Many parents find it comforting to attend | | | | enough with the house rules at the provider’s |
| childcare with their child for a couple of hours on | | | | home to enforce them, which will also help |
| the first day, which will help the child adjust more | | | | smooth the transition from home to childcare. |
| readily and give parents a chance to see what | | | | You may also want to note that sick children are |
| kind of environment is provided in the home. You | | | | usually not allowed to attend. This protects both |
| may want to ask whether or not there is an | | | | the other children and the caretaker from |
| assistant, as well, who can care for your children | | | | illnesses. |
| if the main caretaker is ill. | | | | Even though a home childcare center is a good |
| There are also different rules set by providers, | | | | choice, there are certain rules that still apply. |
| such as whether you need to send snacks or | | | | Don’t be afraid to interview several childcare |
| meals, or whether these are included in your | | | | providers in order to find the one that you are |
| weekly fees. Often providers include one meal, | | | | comfortable with. Once you have found a reliable |
| such as lunch, as well as a snack in their fees. You | | | | caretaker, you and your child can benefit from a |
| will need to pack all of the essentials for your | | | | warm, caring environment until they are ready for |
| child, however, such as diapers, bottles, and | | | | school. One of the greatest benefits of choosing a |
| formula as needed. | | | | home base provider is that there is often plenty |
| Meal times are very important to consider. If you | | | | of room for flexibility, so that you know your |
| are responsible for breakfast, for instance, make | | | | child is having their needs met. |
| sure that you have time to give your child the | | | | |