Choosing a Home Childcare Provider

You've looked at the options and decided to place your child with a home childcare provider. How do you find the best fit for your family? First make a list of names and phone numbers of home childcare providers in your area. To create your list, look for ads in the paper, notices on neighborhood bulletin boards or where you work, signs in yards, and recommendations from friends. Make this initial list as long as you can.

Once you have a starting point, start making calls. Remember that most home providers work a long day without help. Don't be upset by getting an answering machine or a request to call back at another time. Many home childcare providers will only give minimal information on an initial call, and will want to set up an appointment to meet you. You'll want to meet when she does not have children in care, in order to have her full attention. Ask on the call, whether you should bring your child to the initial interview.

There are some important things to keep in mind when considering a home childcare provider. First, you are dealing with a professional, and childcare is this woman's job. Approach it as a business, please. Next, you and your child need to fit her group and program as much as they need to fit you. Finally, when you do place your child with a home provider, remember that you are a client, not an employer, and will be unable to dictate policies. Make sure you are aware of, and in agreement with the childcare provider's policies.