What to look for in an at home daycare provider?

Ask if they run a pre-school program. Some day cares do pre-school activities from 9-12 and it is great even for the youngest children to start experiencing organized and group activities.

Ask for a sample menu of what children will be eating. I had a day care once give my 3 month old rice cerial without letting me know first. I wasn't ready for my child to be eating solid food yet and was dissapointed in them for starting solids without asking.

Will they be willing to support you with potty training when the time comes for that.

Do they do tooth brushing after meals.

Is there a TV in the main room that the kids are in and if so, is it limited to less than 2 hours a day.

You can aslo stop by durring the day cares bussiness hours without notice and see how things are going.

Good luck, and don't be afraid to make special requests for your baby, you pay the day care to take care of your daughter, so they need to do it the way you want them to.

Check references. Most importantly though trust your gut. You will likely be able to tell a lot from the provider simply by meeting her (assuming the day care is run by a woman). A loving home daycare provider and someone that is easy to work with and ask questions will come across as easy-going, friendly and very loving towards your child. Most home day care providers are in the business because they are passionate about children. I worked for a home day care in MN and the lady I worked for was burned out. However, I think if I had met her and interviewed her for my child I would have been able to tell right away that she was not the type of person I wanted raising my child. A daycare helps with a lot of responsibility in raising your child and therefore it is good to find someone that in your gut you trust. You may also want to ask what rules/state guidelines the day care must adhere to. The provider will be able to tell you. Some of the state guidelines are good but some (such as some states have laws that won't allow a provider to hug a child, discipline or reward a child) are appalling. You may want to consider sharing the cost of a nanny/sitter with another family.

Here is a little secret,just because someone is licensed does not=best care.These daycare centers are nothing more than child prison,the ones that I have seen.In home care most times is more welcoming to a child as far as one on one attention,the homely environment and less sickness.I wouldn't go as low as no background check as required here in Texas but a piece of paper does not equal love.

I do not know about where you live but in Ohio, there are few websites where you can look for licensed childcare providers. These people had to go through CPR and first aid training, child abuse screening. They also have extensive background checks.

I am considering going back to work as well and I am looking for someone that only keeps maybe one or two kids so that my daughter will get plenty of attention. I also would prefer that the other children were around her age so I do not have to worry about her getting trampled by older kids that are not used to babies. I want a pet free and smoke free house.

For home daycares, i would suggest pulling all the stops here. make sure they are licensed for one. Make sure there have been no official complaints filed against them. My dad is a fire inspector in TN and he inspects daycares so you might want to contact someone regarding state inspections and so forth. I've never put my daughter in daycare personally so i can't think of any specific questions to ask but don't ever be afraid to ask whatever's on your mind, no matter how silly you may think it is! This is your child after all. Good luck!

obviously seek for a license,cleanliness,how a lot help they have-the ratio of # of little ones per instructor..also thoughts from pals.and examine such as your interior sight newborn care facilities workplace they can allow you to comprehend the score of the day care and if there has been any lawsuits ever filed on it. even as i became searching for an afternoon care I noted as and made an appointment to bypass there all became sturdy...then I went again some days later unannounced and boy what a distinction!!!!! i did not use that one!!LOL I stated 2 completely diverse places it looked...try it you'd be suprised what you discover..

I would make sure it's somebody that you are referred to, or who knows somebody you are close to. Maybe speak to other parents who leave their children with the person.

I'd even ask why they chose to run a home day care, because if it was simply that they wanted to stay home with their children but needed an income they may not give other kids the attention they need.

First check for reference, next check for how clean the place is, schedule, what is the daily routine, what is tought, how many children are there, sick policy, what food are given what is expected from the child, how much nap time is given, are they certified, check if you can go in one day an see for yourself with out telling them good luck!

Back up sitter - reliability

Daily schedule

How much TV are they allowed to watch

How many kids will be there and their ages

Proper equipment - crib, playpen, baby toys

Safety precautions - outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc.

Loving, caring person

Ask for references and CALL them

Find out what happens in emergency situations - weather, etc.

Feeding - what she supplies, what you supply

How many snacks are given / meal schedule

Don't be afraid to ask anything - this is your child.

if you go to the web site of your county they will have child care program ,, if your like me i don't qualify for any low cost child care but they will give you ref to babysitter that are certified and have background checks.