Tips When Looking for Childcare at In-Home Provider's Homes

Children are a parent's very precious jewels. Who cares for them while a parent is working is a matter that is not to be taken lightly. Children in daycare or other childcare settings can spend up to half of their waking days in the care of someone who is not their parents. Parents want to be selective in choosing the best provider for their children. One type of setting is the in-home childcare provider. What should be considered when looking at in-home childcare providers as a possibility for your childcare setting?

Licensed vs. Unlicensed

This is a large debate among parents. Does licensed always equal better? Possibly; however, not all childcare settings that are licensed are regulated by the state. All licensing means is that the home has passed certain requirements and inspections held by the state so that the provider receives a childcare license. Unlicensed childcare includes child care that is not required by law to be registered or certified. Providers who are licensed may upkeep certain safety and ratio requirements, but the provider generally only receives periodic monitoring by the state.

References and Turnover Rates

It is important to obtain references from former clients of the prospective childcare provider. If no references from former clients are available, see if there are any family members or friends who you can speak with. Also, see what the turnover rate is for this provider. Has she or he lost many clients in the previous year? This is important to consider. If the turnover rate is high, you might want to think about why this is so. Is the childcare provider difficult to get along with? Were the parents unsatisfied with the type of care provided?

Schedule

Younger children thrive off some type of scheduling. Even if it is as simple as playtime, naptime, snacks and meals, a schedule gives children a sense of security. Ask the prospective provider if there is any type of schedule that will be implemented. It is better if activities are planned as well, but that isn't always necessary.

Activities for children

Does the potential childcare provider have activities for children to do, or are they basically on their own for the duration of the day? A toy box full of toys can be great entertainment for children, but it generally isn't sufficient for the duration of the day. Children need other types of stimulation, such as books, coloring, drawing, and outdoors time (depending on the season).

Outdoor time

Outdoor time is an important aspect in children's lives. They have so much energy to burn, and exercise is very important for everyone. At least an hour of outdoors time is a prime factor to consider. Of course, during the winter when temperatures significantly drop, and when it is raining outdoors, this is difficult to accomplish, but the children should still get some sort of exercise indoors.

Safety Issues

Is the child care provider's home childproof? Are there outlet covers on all electrical sockets? Are safety gates used to keep children out of areas they should not be in? Are the toys age-appropriate and safe from potential swallowing for younger children? Have any of the toys or other equipment been recalled?

Child to Adult Ratio

Caring for children is a tedious task. You might want to look at the child-to-adult ratio in the child care provider's home, especially if the provider is unlicensed. If the child-to-adult ratio is unusually high, your child might not receive much individual attention.

Snacks and Meals

Will your child be receiving adequate nutritional food and snacks? Generally, two snacks and either one or two meals (depending on if the child is present for breakfast) should be provided. The meals should consist of fruits and vegetables, as well as proteins and grain. What will the child drink? Ensuring that your child will be adequately nourished is something to take into great consideration.

Your child and the Provider

Allow your child to meet with the potential provider. How do they interact together? Does your child seem frightened or shy? Shyness is to be expected, but if your child seems genuinely afraid of the person in charge, it might not be a good fit. Also, how does the provider interact with your child? Does he or she get down on the floor to talk to and look at your child?

These tips are just some things to consider when you are looking at in-home providers.