This will be a family (in-home) child care program. What do you look for in the owner/teacher, physical classroom, curriculum, etc. ?

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I would look for safety and the other childrens behavior,you never know. Anything could happen .Also look for what is included in the child care,like food,diapers,clothing ect.

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My day care lady:she loves my kids like her own (she has 5 of her own!)her home is cleanshe is kind and forgivingshe is patientshe provides healthy meals and snacksshe changes diapers in a timely fashionshe shares my personal values and morals - and reinforces them with my kidsshe actually plays with the kidsshe supports me in my work - she's flexible with schedulesshe helps me find backup care when she's not availableshe even takes the kids when they're sick - it only makes sense - if there's multiple kids in an area, they've all been exposed to whatever's making one kid sick...she encourages me to drop in and visitshe doesn't complain that I call every afternoon to ask how the kids areshe makes sure the kids go outside and play - every day - even in the rainshe takes them on field trips to educational places - she encourages my first-grader to do his homework right after school so he can have time to play latershe helps reinforce potty training!she doesn't make me pay her for holidays or her vacationsshe takes advantage of "teaching moments" - she encourages kids - doesn't demean themshe teaches cooperation and encourages the kids to help with chores (cleaning up toys, after lunch, taking groceries in the house from the van, etc.)she makes gingerbread houses with the kids every December and mother's day cards in MayShe has a lot of creative play toys, especially paper, scissors, paint, crayons, markers - and it's ok to use them!She always has moon sand and play-dough.she challenges my kids to eat new foods!she tells me when there will be changes in her schedule, or when she's taking on new or different kidsShe's in it long term - I don't have to worry that she'll close the daycare and leave me hanging.What I do as a parent:I pay her a generous Christmas bonusI always get her a gift for her birthdayI always pay her on time - EVERY FRIDAY - no excusesI don't expect her to teach my kids everything - that's my jobI pick up the kids on time - or call at least an hour ahead to say I'll be lateI encourage her, and appreciate her and show it!I take happy meals to daycare for lunch about once a month - she deserves a break once in a while!I donate toys to her play roomI pack a diaper bag (even for my 6 year old) every day that includes medical records, insurance cards, extra diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, sunscreen, tylenol, and toys.I don't ask her to be my secretaryI don't ask her to run my errandsI encourage her to discipline my kids when they're out of line.I reinforce her rules in her home - I let her be the boss in her home.I've had the same care provider since my son was born 6.5 years ago - I've been blessed!!!!!

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If you are putting your child in an in home setting make sure they are licensed and not just registered. Yes there is a huge difference. If you child is not an infant and going into a home setting I would almost think twice. If you walk in and the owner does not have a whole room dedicated to early childhood than she is not licensed and is just registered, this also means that her family are using the same area for their social functions. This also means the family will be using this area while your child is there. There should be a room that looks like a classroom, and a nap area that is just off the classroom are and again away from the family. This may sound like a picky person however, there is no boss to look over her shoulder, and if this person has children, and your child and her child are fighting who do you think this person is going to pick up first? The family in an in home setting will all ways come first with an older child. The only age a child should be in a home type setting in an infant.

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