The importance of a homelike atmosphere and the position of family-centered activities are central to this care
Home Child Care
Home Child Care, sometimes known as Family Child Care, offers a viable option to families through the provision of safe, reliable, high quality care for children. It can involve using an entire home; at other times, only part of a home is used. The importance of a home-like atmosphere and the position of centred activities are emphasized.
The unique characteristics of the physical environment in family child care:
- Physical space – home setting, neighbourhood/community involvement
- Caregiver consistency throughout day
- Prevalence of mixed-age groups
- Intensity and duration of provider/parent relationship
- Nature of the work experience
Unique aspects of quality family child care:
- It looks and acts like a home
- Purposeful use of home and local neighbourhood as learning opportunities
- Purposeful use of the mixed-age group as a learning opportunity
- Provider is parenting role model and source of support and information for families
- Provider successfully addresses the challenges of the work situation
- Caring for School-Aged Children: Street Proofing
- Caring for the Caregiver: Setting Your Personal Goals
- Serving Nutritious Meals and Snacks: Menu Evaluation Checklist
- Communicating with Children Effectively About Diversity and Inclusion
- Enhancing Children’s Self-Esteem
Articles
Respecting the Children in Our Care
There are many ways to treat children with respect in a childcare environment.
Training Materials
So you want to care for other people’s children in your home?
Download this free e-book and view these videos to find out what’s involved and where to start.
The Family Child Care Training Program
The Family Child Care Training Program is intended for individuals who are currently, or who are interested in becoming, providers of family child care in both the regulated and unregulated sectors. They can be purchased in print format.
The Family Child Care Training Program consists of three levels:
Level One
The Family Child Care Training Program: Level one
Purchase Through e-storeLevel Two
The Family Child Care Training Program: Level two
Purchase Through e-storeLevel Three
The Family Child Care Training Program: Level Three
Purchase Through e-storeTrain-the-Trainer Guide
Train-the-Trainer Guide
Purchase Through e-storeHere are some Additional Resources About Home Child Care
1. Building Partnerships with Families
Children feel more secure in their child care setting when they see their family members and their child care practitioner in a respectful relationship. Download the copy here.
2. Preventative Steps When Caring for Children in Your Home
Caregivers who try these preventative steps are less likely to leave themselves open to accusations of child abuse.
Download the copy here.
3. Your Family/Home Child Care An Environment Checklist
Instead of looking at how much space you have, consider how well you use it. Download the copy here.
