i’d not put my kid in a home based childcare unless i had really good references or if i knew the owner really well.

My son has been at a home based childcare for 2 yrs. The provider has a schedule everyday, less than 7 children, they go on outings, and I feel very close to her and her family. In addition I save about $400.00 a month vs a Center.Go with your gut , ask for references, and stop by unannounced. This way you can see how every things going when he/she isn’t expecting you. Good Luck.

I have my daughter in a home-based registered childcare. I prefer it over child care centres. She is with another Mom and her day is very similar to the way it would be at home…
playtime
snacks
circle time
lunch
naps
outside play
… I like that there are only a few kids (1 adult to 3 kids). There are less germs to catch too!! I feel I have a more personal relationship with my childcare provider than I would if we were at a childcare centre.

well i choose home based…its more comfortble for the children, the children get more direct attention. They can still learn and have fun with other children as they would in a center and home based is sometimes cheaper and less children so less stress on everyone.
I worked in daycare, and have seen first hand what happens and dosnt happen. i will not ever put my child in a daycare facility.
Just like with a center you should check refrences and have a walk through. make sure they are licenced unless you are just having it as a babysitter.

I think that depends on the center or home that its in. I worked in a center that had 4 year olds watching two movies a day while they were made to be absolutely silent. And were yelled at if they talked during movies(needless to say, I quit) But I’ve also heard of homes who seemed very nice to begin with, but was found out that they let the kids run wild all day and fed them junkfood. I would suggest that you ask to sit in for a day or so. If they say no, I would run, no matter how clean or nice. I would not trust that. If they say yes, then do sit in if your schedule allows and see if things are run the way you would like. Of course they will be on their best behavior while you are there, but you should be able to get a good idea. What do they serve for lunch? How do they handle misbehaviors? Is there a naptime? How long is it? Is there structure? Things to look for. Good luck!

Do not put your child in an unregistered Day care! It simply is not a good idea. I have tried both home and center based and I **** the home based day cares. Centers are larger with more people around, which to me spells more eyes looking out on the activities of the teachers. Not to mention that if you go to a home day care, especially an unregistered one, they tend to do things differently and not professionally.

i am at home day daycare provider, my first child went to a neighbor for care, and after i had my 2nd child i could not afford 2 in daycare so i got registered. i feel at home care is better because less children, less germs, more 1 on 1, at home settting, and a mom is taking care of your child usually with her own children , or hers have grown, where centers pay min wage to highschool, or college students. check references ask for numbers not just written references, ask for numbers of current parents as well as past parents, and call them you can never be to safe. when i first started(1 yr ago) i did not have references other than friends who could say i was a good mommy, now i can give both current and past names. i also work under a open door policy and you can drop in unannounced, see how they feel about you popping in– i have nothing to hide , and neither should they!! good luck!

I would be very very iffy if she is not registered. I have worked daycare, and most are pretty good if you do your research. Home based ones can be just as good too, if you find someone you can completely trust. Even so – my neighbor told me how she had done an at home daycare and loved the person. One day though she showed up early, only to find that her child takes naps in the bathroom!!! She never took him back. If she had had not shown up unexpectedly, she never would of known. I also have seen a first hand experience within my family where they were taken to court cause there was a mark on the child’s neck when the parents picked her up that day.

Bottom line – there are good and bad with both daycares and home ones. You just have to look into and go with your gut, which usually is strong in us mom’s. However, I still would not trust someone doing daycare that is not registered in this day and age.

Good luck.