Childminders - what to expect

 
Home daycare is the ideal option if you want your baby cared for in a homely environment along with just one or two other children.

What are the advantages of home daycare?

- Care is usually provided by another mom, with experience of caring for young children.

- Your child will be with a single, familiar caregiver, which means a greater opportunity for individual attention than he might get in a daycare center, with several caregivers and a much larger group of children

- If you have more than one child you may be able to place them with the same

- Some home daycare providers will take children part-time, or even at weekends or early evenings. They’re more likely to fit in with shift patterns and are usually more flexible if shifts change at short notice (which they often do). If your partner also works shifts it’ll make life easier if your daycare provider can be flexible.?

- Charges tend to be lower than daycare centers or nannies, but you should expect to pay a higher hourly rate for a baby than for an older child.

What are the disadvantages?

- Home daycare is not as strictly regulated as daycare centers, although most states require them to meet certain health and safety regulations.

- Your provider will not have anyone supervising her as she cares for your baby.

- Your provider may not have much experience in early childhood education, which is usually the case at daycare centers.

- If your provider is unwell or on vacation, you’ll have to find backup care or stay home with your child.

What to look for in home daycare

- A friendly, warm atmosphere: while it should be clean it doesn’t have to be spick and span – so much the better if there are some toys strewn about the place!

- A child-rearing philosophy that matches yours – for example, if you don’t believe in spanking make sure your prospective daycare provider doesn’t either.

- Someone who’s interested in your child – watch her reactions when you introduce your baby: ideally you want someone who swoops in to give your baby a big hug and doesn’t mind the spit up! For an older child, look for someone who gets down to his level and makes eye contact while talking directly to him.

- Flexibility when it comes to dropping off and picking up.

- An open door policy so you can drop by any time (beware of providers who want you to give notice that you’re stopping by – they could have something to hide).

- A care schedule that incorporates a range of stimulating activities, outdoor play (look for a spacious yard or nearby park) and quiet time. Ask what the policy is regarding TV – the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV at all for under-2s.

- Plenty of age-appropriate toys, books, games and crafting supplies.

- Nutritious meals if you’re not planning to provide your baby’s food.

- A sick child policy that means she won’t take children who are unwell – although this means there may be times when you can’t take your baby, it will protect her from picking up viruses from any other children your caregiver looks after.

- Training in first aid and CPR and a well-stocked first aid kit.

- Safety precautions – look for evidence of baby proofing such as corner protectors, plug socket covers and stair gates. Is there a pool? If so, check it’s fenced off and that the gate is locked at all times. Are there dogs? If so, ask if they are allowed to roam loose in any areas of the house or yard that your child might be able to access.

- Ask to see her license and get contact details for references. You should only place your baby with a home daycare provider who has a good reputation.

- Make sure she can provide you with a social security number or taxpayer ID so you can claim the Childcare Credit (see the financial impact of having a baby). 

Hot tip Before you place your baby or child in home daycare, get a proper contract that details the charges, whether you have to pay for days when your child isn’t there (for example if he’s sick), and whether your caregiver is entitled to paid sick leave and vacation.

• The National Association of Family Childcare can help you find local accredited childcare (www.nafcc.org).

• Child Care Aware (www.childcareaware.org) has parent information and an online childcare connector, and can give you some idea of what local home daycare providers charge for their services.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.