How to Be the Best Home Daycare Provider

Deciding to take children into your home for daycare is a huge undertaking. Many things need to be considered in terms of space, safety, and supplies. If you choose to become certified, the requirements are immense. However, even if you do not want to be certified, following certain guidelines will guarantee you offer a safe, comfortable environment for your charges, which will result in happy children, and happy parents. Happy clients are loyal clients, and even after you part ways, they can remain a good reference for future clients. Taking simple action to be your best will be best for your business. I have combed through state regulations and military childcare licensing regulations to find the toughest guidelines, and combined them with my experience to help make your in-home daycare the best available.

Space and amount of clients: The general consensus is that care should not begin before 6 weeks of age, and there should only be one child under the age of 2 months at all times. If all are under 2 years, there should only be 3 children total in care. If it is a multi-age house (ranging from 6 weeks to generally 12 years) there should be no more than 2 children under 2 years, and not any more than 6 children at a time, including the providers own children under the age of 8. If all the children in the house are over the age of 5, up to 8 children is allowable.

Each child-at least those young enough to require naps or rest-needs their own area for sleep or rest that is at least 4 inches off the floor, and has clean sheets that are only used by that one child. Sleeping arrangements for infants need to allow for monitoring the baby.

For play time, there needs to be space for general play, space for relaxation, and easily-cleaned space for art projects-all of which need to be easily supervised. Outside there needs to be room to run and play, obviously, but also some space set aside for children who do not wish to be as active.

Safety: Safety of your charges should, of course, be your top priority. However, in order to make fun FEEL like your top priority to the children, safety should first be considered before their arrival. First, safeguard the obvious the stuff: firearms and ammunition, cleaners, medication, alcohol, and matches and lighters. This means putting them out of sight AND out of reach, or locked up (firearms should be locked up when children are in the house). Next, check out the child safety section at the baby store, or even Home Depot. Outlet covers are a must to start, as well as cabinet locks for any cabinets they should not be in. Other things, like toilet locks, fridge latch, or the crazy things that go on doorknobs so that no one can open them, may become necessary as you see what your particular charges like to get into.

As for fire safety, there are two important things that have to be in your house. The first is a hard-wired smoke detector on each level of your home. Battery-powered detectors can be used as back-up, particularly right outside of bedrooms, but hard-wired detectors are necessary. The other necessity is a fire extinguisher. Guidelines require one that is rated 2A:10BC. At least one, logically in or near the kitchen, should be available in the house.

Supplies: Getting your home supplied for daycare may be one of the biggest challenges. As mentioned, each child should have their own sleeping cot or bed. Portable cribs or pack n' plays are needed if you are going to be watching infants or young toddlers. High chairs (not on wheels) and /or boaster seats are a necessity, and then you need to start thinking about toys and entertainment! When looking for toys, consider their safety and whether they are age-appropriate. Classic staples such as blocks, rings and balls are a good place to start. Choose toys that encourage development, not just look flashy. Remember, you do not want to just be a babysitter, you want to provide your clients with growth and development. Check out garage sales and Craigslist.org for good deals.

These are just some tips that I have gleaned from different regulations, and my own experience. One thing that every in-home daycare provider, licensed or not, should have is CPR and First Aid certification. If something should happen, you need to be prepared. Also, lots of love and patience will make you the best provider in town.