Child Care: Preschool In-Home Care

What is in-home care?

In-home care means hiring someone to care for young toddler or preschooler in your own home. Your child will be in a familiar place and get lots of personal attention. The caregiver may be a friend, neighbor, relative, or professional nanny. If you hire the person through an agency, a background check should have already been done. Some states have resources that allow you to do background checks.

Ask Your Prospective Caregiver:

• Can you tell me more about your background and experience?
• What are some reasons you enjoy taking care of children? Do you have children of your own?
• How will you get to and from work?
• How will my child be transported if you leave the house?
• What are your expectations regarding length of commitment?
• Do you smoke? Do you have any health problems?
• Have you had training in first aid?
• What kinds of activities might you plan for my child?
• What are your views on discipline? Meals? Television?
• What would you do if . . . ? (Give examples relevant to your situation: medical and personal emergencies, common problems with child.)
• Can you give me several references, preferably from former employers?
• What questions do you have for me?

Observe or Ask About:

Home

Does my home have:

• child-sized furniture?
• ample toys and art materials?
• plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
• special areas for quiet and active play?
• safe, creative outdoor play equipment?

Caregiver

Does the caregiver:

• welcome my questions and suggestions?
• share my childrearing philosophy?
• take time to share my child's experiences with me?
• sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
• respect my child's unique background and interests?
• really listen and talk to my child?
• seem cheerful, affectionate, and warm?
• have training and experience in early child education?
• kneel or sit at child's eye level?
• actively play with my child, indoors and out?
• establish and consistently maintain limits?
• provide consistent care so my child has a stable, predictable daily routine?

Program

Will the activities the caregiver provides:

• balance active, physical activities with quiet, restful ones?
• provide ample rest and nap times?
• prohibit play that could quickly get out of hand?
• patiently encourage toddlers to solve some problems on their own?
• help children deal with feelings constructively?
• provide security through a well-defined, predictable schedule of daily activities?
• balance structured and unstructured activities?
• encourage language development?

Health and Safety

• What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
• Is the caregiver trained in first aid?
• What is the policy on handwashing?
• Does the home have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?
• Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
• Does my caregiver always know how to get in touch with both parents?
• Does my child receive constant supervision, indoors and out? (Young children should never be left unattended while on a bed, chair, changing table, high chair, stroller, baby walker, baby swing, or in the water; outdoor dangers include swimming pool, pond, garage tools, driveway, streets, kidnapping, wandering off.)
• Can all doors, inside the home be opened from the outside at all times?
• Are the outside doors and windows locked?
• Do strong screens or metal bars cover the windows? (especially important above ground level)
• Do all glass doors have decals?
• Are the rooms well ventilated and comfortable year-round?
• Are latched safety gates placed at the top and/or bottom of stairways?
• Are stairways and walkways free from clutter?
• Are small, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet? (Examples include pins, thumbtacks, paper clips, matches, lighters, knives, plastic bags, scissors, guns, razor blades, glassware, and appliances.)
• Are poisonous items stored out of reach or locked in cupboards, drawers, or cabinets? (Examples include cleaning products, polish, bleach, medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, aerosol cans, and first aid supplies.)
• Are the home and yard free from poisonous plants?
• Are all foods or drinks within reach safe for my child? (Examples of dangerous foods or beverages: any food that a child could choke on like popcorn or hard candy; beverages that are hot or alcoholic.)
• Is my child kept away from dangerous places like the stove or hot water faucets?
• Have furniture and other household objects with sharp corners been padded or removed?
• Do all electrical sockets have protective covers?
• Has attention been paid to objects that could be pulled or knocked over? (Examples include tablecloths, electrical cords, lamps, furniture.)
• Is my child safe around pets? Are pet dishes out of reach?
• Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
• Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with carpeting or wood chips?
• Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
• Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for my child's level of development?

Meals

• Does the caregiver know about healthy foods and also my child's preferences?
• Is my child allowed to leave food on the plate? (Children should never be forced to eat.)
• Are portions small and second helpings available?