Enrich

Per By Robbie Gould on 07/06/2023

https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/should-i-start-a-family-day-care-in-my-home/

Many people never realize just how common family daycares (or home-based child care businesses) are. These small businesses fill crucial needs in their areas. There are over 280,000 regulated home daycares  in the U.S., which is nearly three times more than the number of licensed child care centers.1

Operating a family daycare is a delightful blend of laughter, tears, sticky fingers and infinite moments that will leave you questioning your sanity. The whole family daycare operation is much more than just babysitting – it's about creating a safe and nurturing environment where little ones can grow, learn and explore. It's about building a home away from home through early education and child development.

Maybe you're a teacher leaving the school system, or perhaps you've just been ruminating on this idea for a while. Maybe you have young ones at home and want to work while caring for them. Whatever your circumstances, if you’ve thought about starting a family child care program in your house here are some things to consider as you embark on this wild and wonderful adventure.

So, grab your apron and wet wipes and prepare for a rollercoaster ride of miniature proportions.

What is family daycare?

Family daycare, also known as home daycare or in-home childcare, refers to a type of childcare service provided in a home setting by an individual caregiver or a small team of caregivers.

In family day care, children are cared for and supervised in a home-like environment, typically within the caregiver's own residence. Family child care providers offer a range of services, including child care, playtime, educational activities, meals and sometimes even overnight care.

Most of the time, family child care consists of a small group of children – usually a provider cares for no more than 6 children.2 In some areas, this could be a much smaller number than traditional daycare centers, offering a more personalized and intimate experience for the children in their provider's home.

As a care provider, you can decide which age groups you want to care for. Just be sure to check local regulations on infant care, toddler and school aged children.

Typically, an in-home provider adheres to licensing and safety regulations and may follow a structured curriculum or provide a more flexible approach based on the needs and preferences of the children and their families. Family daycare can be a popular choice for parents seeking a home-like atmosphere, individualized attention and the convenience of a caregiver's own residence.