How to Find an In-Home Daycare

Finding safe, reliable childcare is rarely easy, but it is possible.

An estimated 70 percent of parents regularly rely on some type of daycare for their infant or young child. Most of these parents select a childcare center or preschool, but more parents are looking into in-home care for their children. They may prefer the one-on-one contact of the caregiver with their child, but may themselves be extremely busy. This is especially true for parents who each have full-time careers and may require live-in or live-out childcare for their child. There are also options ranging from entrusting a child to a trusted friend, neighbor, or relative to employing a professional to care for your little one in your home or in theirs. Before you take the plunge, it is important to know what to look for and what to consider.

Things You'll Need

• (no special equipment)

Instructions

Find an In-Home Daycare

1. Make a list of the qualities you require in a caregiver. Include the type of background, training, experience, personal/cultural beliefs, and discipline style that you desire.

2. Conduct criminal background checks for everyone that you consider for the position. No exceptions. At least 5 percent of all nannies have criminal conviction records, according to the International Nanny Association.

3. Know your child and his/her developmental needs and stages. An infant less than a year old needs loving nurturing, and lots of positive contact--not a disciplinarian. A toddler aged from two to four needs to be taught acceptable behavior in a calm, caring, and consistent manner that is never abusive or overly harsh. Any health concerns or special needs also should be kept in mind. If your child is unusually sensitive or prone to tantrums, you will need a caregiver who is not only experienced in this type of temperament, but capable of being patient and self-controlled as well.

4. Interview every prospective hire at least twice. At the first meeting, you will meet and talk with this person face to face and ask relevant questions. Before the second interview, obtain the results of the background search. At the second interview, observe the potential new-hire with the child, both up close and at a discreet distance. Secretly videotape this interaction if possible. If hired, your child's safety could be in this person's hands.

5. Ask for and verify several references personally. Speak with other families who have hired this person, or at least know them well. If you select this person, draw up a contract outlining specific duties and responsibilities, salary, hours, sick leave, vacations, and parental rights and obligations. Establish a review date to discuss how things are working out and to fine-tune your agreement, if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Drop by unexpectantly and frequently to observe this person and how they are interacting with your child.

• Observe how your child behaves in this person's presence. Does you child seem frightened or introverted, even after weeks in their care? Something could be wrong! Go with your gut feelings.

• Nannies hired through agencies don't always have extensive experience. Au pairs are often young without any formal childcare training, no children of their own, and little experience, if any. Know who you are hiring, and don't be hasty in making a decision that could impact the rest of your child's life either positively or negatively.

Resources

• Kids Health.org has an extensive section on selecting among childcare options.