Checklist for a Family Childcare Home Operator

Make sure all the items on your checklist are discussed when interviewing with parents.

Cover every aspect of your in-home daycare with the use of checklists. Create checklists to keep track of equipment, licensing, advertising and interviews with parents and to make sure you've discussed all relevant information with parents. Check off each item and date it as it's taken care of. Keep copies of the checklists and review them periodically to make sure you stay up to date as the owner of an in-home daycare center.

Licensing

Find out what the process is to achieve a license for your in-home daycare. List each step and list what you need to do to prepare for that step on your checklist. Put each step into logical order and work down the list, checking them off and dating them so you know you're prepared to apply for your license when the checklist is complete.

Equipment

Make a checklist of the equipment you need to start an in-home daycare. Divide the checklist into segments like bedding and feeding needs. Be specific on this checklist--list the specific number of baby blankets and the date they were purchased and the number of sippy cups and a detailed description of cup and lid. It's easier to keep track of when things were purchased and when they should be replaced with this detail added to the checklist.

Policy

Draw up a detailed checklist that covers all of your policies as an in-home daycare provider. List the days and hours you're open for business, the fees involved and how you'll handle children who become ill during the day. Give a copy of this checklist to your parents as you interview them and go through the checklist together. Ask the parents to initial each item and sign and date the bottom. Keep this acknowledgment checklist in your files.

Nutrition

Make a checklist specific to the nutritional needs of your tiny clients. Decide how many meals and snacks you'll provide and list the details for each of these on your checklist. Talk to nutritionists at your local grocery store and add their tips to your checklist so you know the meals and snacks meet basic guidelines of safety and nutrition. Keep this checklist updated weekly and provide it to the parents so they see the value of what you're feeding their children.

References

• Daycare Hotline; 10 Things to Consider When Selecting a Child Care Provider; Kris K. Murray; 2009