Why Choose Home Care?
I believe home care is better for younger children (2.5 yrs and younger) and can also be better for preschoolers provided enough stimulation and learning opportunities are offered. I offer the Home Preschool Program – structured learning for preschoolers – to introduce pre-k concepts and to prepare the children for school. BabyCenter.com has an informative article regarding home care that may be of use to you in your search for child care. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services also has an article you may find useful on exploring options for child care.
We used in-home care for our daughter when I was working outside the home for the following reasons:
- Children have the same caregiver. They will not have to cope with the stress of changing or leaving a caregiver they have already bonded with.
- Since the facility is in a home, this helps to create a slower-paced, more relaxed environment. In our ever increasing fast-paced society, I feel this type of environment is needed for some children and beneficial for all to reduce stress.
- Children interact with different age groups and form close relationships with the other children in care.
- Children are sick less often. We are constantly washing our hands at this facility. We wash our hands before and after eating, after toileting or a diaper change, and after coming in from outside. I always sanitize my hands after wiping noses to help prevent the spread of infection.
These are things I looked for when selecting a child care home for my child. I also used a questionnaire when interviewing caregivers and asked each of them the same questions.
- Provider is state registered and has a good inspection record
- Facility is safe, clean, and clutter free
- Strict illness and exclusion policy
- Limited television time
- Provider responds promptly to the children's needs
- Provider tailors her care individually based on the children's temperaments and needs
- Provider models appropriate behavior by communicating in a respectful and polite manner
- Provider offers a variety of toys and activities that will stimulate the children
- Provider enjoys being with and around children
- Provider has appropriate training
- Provider establishes and enforces reasonable limits in an acceptable and consistent manner
- Provider allows you to visit the home unannounced
- Provider regularly communicates with the parents in regard to the child(ren)
- Provider has references and they can provide positive feedback
Here are some warning signs to look for:
- Being a parent who has used day care before, there is always the fear of child abuse and neglect. Of course with home care, you usually do not have the assurance of others around to ensure the caregiver is on her best behavior. However when you schedule an interview with the caregiver in her home you will usually be able to sense if it is a safe environment for your child. If you have a bad feeling about any facility, home or center, trust your intuition and look elsewhere.
- Child develops diaper rash frequently while in care not related to teething, change of diet, or diarrhea.
- Child is hesitant or fearful to talk about his or her day
- Children will inevitably get bumps and bruises during normal play, but if children receive multiple or poorly explained injuries, this should be a red flag. The care provider should point out any less serious injuries that may require first-aid treatment.
- If you suspect child abuse or neglect call the Child Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400.