Investigating Proper In-Home Childcare

In-home childcare is when you take your child to someone else's home.  The childcare provider's home is where the childcare would be provided for your child.  Childcare providers can provide childcare to a small group of children.  Most states have laws that dictate how many a noncertified childcare provider can have as well as a state certified childcare provider.  It is important to contact your Department of Human Services since it varies from state to state. 

There are some benefits and disadvantages to having your child receive their childcare through in-home childcare.  These benefits and disadvantages are listed below:

Benefits

• Provide childcare to a small group of children
• Some in-home childcare providers are state certified and therefore trained in CPR, First Aid, etc.
• Some in-home childcare providers provide educational and leisure recreational activities to children
• All in-home childcare providers have a high school diploma
• Allows in-home childcare provider, parents, and child to communicate easily as well as develop a true relationship
• Some will provide transportation to school if needed
• Those that are state certified will receive inspection from state personnel (usually in connection with Department of Human Services)
  
• Those that are state certified you can check on their previous childcare providing experiences by calling Department of Human Services.
  
• More flexibility with operation hours and childcare costs.
• Those that are state certified may qualify for receiving financial assistance in regards to food (i.e. if you have an infant and your childcare provider receives this assistance, their baby food can be provided free of charge)
  
• Free snacks and meals
  

Disadvantages

• Not all in-home childcare providers are state certified
• State certified in-home childcare providers may have more restrictions/rules to abide by
  
• You will still need a back up childcare provider if yours become ill or has a family emergency

There are many benefits and some disadvantages to having an in-home childcare provider.  Make sure to look into both as well as conducting interviews and contacting references prior to making your final childcare provider choice.