In-home providers typically treat their charges as extended members of their own family, and a small (and manageable) number of children in their care means that the brood can often take “family” outings to the park or story hour, or even nature hikes or sidewalk strolls. Meals are usually served family-style in a central dining area, and comfort, familiarity, and small group activities are enticements. While the number may vary, most in-home providers care for six or fewer children. Often, providers may choose to keep less. Compare that to a daycare setting where sizes may be larger, and it is easy to understand why this can be a preferred option for many families. When considering in-home care, an important question to ask is how many kids will be cared for during any given day and whether that number changes based on circumstances. Depending on the provider, some may even offer transportation assistance to enrichment activities or to other programs that working parents can’t provide. Nurseries at daycare facilities can sometimes appear to look institutional, which can be offsetting to parents with a baby. However, having an in-home provider who can care for a child in a nursery-setting with only one or two babies can be appealing to many. Many providers limit the number of kids they watch in any particular age group to provide a better balance of care. Check with your state about what you should look for with a licensed care provider, and if you choose not to use one, be sure you understand what the implications are of that as well. While most childcare workers receive some training, parents typically are most comfortable with experienced providers who have received extensive, ongoing training. Parents should ask questions to learn about the provider’s philosophy and routine, and providers should see how any particular parenting requirements can be incorporated while ensuring all the needs of all kids are met. Since not all parent and provider approaches are compatible, making sure there is a good match before placing/taking a child! Another plus is that family providers often establish a back-up plan in the unlikely event they become ill another provider is available to provide care on a short-term basis. Some providers even meet at a park on occasion and let kids in their care get to know one another, so the back-up care plan won’t mean children would be meeting someone for the first time. Parents may have greater flexibility with helping with snacks or providing sack lunches, or bringing in diapers or other supplies, as a way to help save on costs. In-home providers may also be more flexible with parents only needing part-time care or may offer sibling discounts. Parents must also keep in mind that childcare is a business, and that a provider will expect on-time payments and timely drop-off/pick-ups of kids.
