Choosing care for your child is one of the most important, and challenging, decisions you will make for them. Brain development is most rapid in the earliest years of your child’s life and the quality of care they receive will impact every aspect of their lives, so don’t shy away from taking time to make the best decision for your family and ask lots of questions!
Below of some of the many reasons why I love home childcare:
- Small group sizes. Unlicensed home daycares may provide care for up to 5 children while licensed home daycares may care for up to 6 children. Home care providers may only have 2 children under the age of two in their care at a time.
- The small group size typically creates a home-away-from-home feel where providers have the opportunity to build closer bonds with the children in their care.
- Home daycares offer the opportunity to customize the daily routine to suit the needs of the children in care. It is also easier to customize programming to the child’s developmental levels and interests.
- The flexibility of days and hours of care in a home setting, including extended hours and options for part-time care, can be very important to families who may not have a typical 9 – 5 job.
Most home daycares provide wonderful, safe, and reliable care where children thrive. There are, however, some valid concerns that should be carefully assessed by parents when considering this option including safety, structure, and back up care. It is extremely important that parents investigate their child’s potential new care setting to ensure that it meets all their expectations for keeping their child safe and engaged in fun, educational programming that meets their developmental needs. An alternative care plan is also essential just in case your provider becomes ill or has a family emergency.
Licensed home childcare addresses all the above concerns and can help put a parent’s mind at ease; these providers are carefully screened by their licensing agency and must comply with all the standards and regulations set by the Ministry of Education. Below are some of the many reasons I love being a licensed home daycare provider:
- My licensing agency must pass an annual licensing inspection from the Ministry of Education, so I know that all our current practices are up-to-date.
- I receive monthly scheduled and drop-in visits from a qualified R.E.C.E. who ensures I am meeting all my licensing requirements and offers additional support for programming, behaviour management, and so much more.
- Professional development opportunities are regularly offered.
- Subsidized fees are available for those families who qualify.
- Back up care may be available for children in licensed care if needed.
For more information on Kelly’s Kids licensing agency, London Children’s Connection, you can go to their website:
lcc.on.ca/child-care-programs/licensed-home-child-care , or contact me
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