Home Daycare Providers

What to look for when choosing home daycare providers

If you are considering home daycare providers for your child, you will want to tour the home where your child will be spending so much of her time. Talk to the providers and see if you can take a look at the facilities.

When you speak with daycare providers, ask to see their credentials. Make sure they are licensed and credentialed from the appropriate agencies. Also, check the dates to make sure that their credentials are still valid.

Be sure to talk to providers about your child's routine. Ask to see what games and activities the children play and engage in while they are at the facility. Make sure that the games are safe, and that none of the pieces can be easily swallowed or choked on. The activities should be educational and interesting. Any movies that the children may watch should be age appropriate for your child.

Be sure there is enough space, both indoors and out, for children to play and work. There should be a secure outdoor playground or area where children will play and an organized indoor work area where children can do their schoolwork. All areas should be safe and secure: Electrical sockets should be covered; large freezers and refrigerators should feature locks; and any staircases should be gated.

Once you find an in home daycare provider that meets these basic standards, you may have found a wonderful place for your child to play, learn, and socialize.

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