What I Need to Know

I do not know where you are located but the state website is really good. I am registered and also the co-chair of an association, www.pickofnorthtexas.com. Check out our website. Everyone is legal with keeping kiddos. We do not except them unless they can give us a copy of their certificate from the state. Any questions please contact us. Good Luck and God Bless!

Some of the things that were important to me in looking at childcare in someone's home were the following:
1) Who else is in the house during the day while your child is there? One lady had her 20 something sons in and out all day with their friends - there was no way I was leaving my son there.
2) Does she take the children somewhere in her car during the day? I personally didn't want my son to spend his days in someone's car while they ran errands nor did I want him pushed in a stroller around the mall. This is more common than you might think.
3) If the caregiver is not available or has an emergency (or doctor appt, etc.) who is their backup, if any? My MIL's neighbor does in home childcare and she frequently has my MIL stay with the kids while she runs errands. I would personally not appreciate that situation for my own child.
4) What types of food are served and are they willing to serve your child food your bring from home? Where is the food served - i.e., does she just rotate each kid in the same high chair or does she have multiple? How clean is the food area?
5) Where do the kids spend most of their time? The room one lady showed me had small windows and the carpet was old. Personally, I don't think carpet is healthy and I'd much prefer my child in a room with floors that can be (and are) thoroughly cleaned regularly.
6) Does she have a dedicated diaper change area and what are the sanitary practices for diaper changes?
7) What are the rules for sick children? Will she accept them or does she require they be symptom free for 24 hours (i.e., throwing up, temperature, etc.)? I remember one mother when my kids were in daycare that followed that rule to the minute. If her son was sent home at 1:22 the day before, she'd have him back at 1:22 the next day. So, you cannot count on parents being responsible, so the daycare provider needs strict rules.

Also, I strongly recommend you trust your instincts. Unless you feel 100% comfortable with the caregiver and the environment, I would look elsewhere. In the end, I found that daycare centers often have a higher caregiver to child ratio and there's always someone around.

No matter what references you get, I highly recommend you run a background check.

Know that you can look at the inspection reports for any registered or licensed childcare at http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child...

Ask what is important to you - what is 'too sick to come to daycare', what activities do they do, what do they eat, how do they accept payment, hours, special activities (and fees), etc..

Are there firearms in the house?
Do they know CPR?

My 7 month old son is in an n home childcare and has been there since he was 8 weeks. He loves going and we have had absolutely no problems with her whatsoever. My biggest recomendation is to only look at in home places that are state registered and regulated as well as on the state food program that checks in with them regularly to make sure each child is getting what they need. It is illegal to run a daycare out of your home without at least being listed with the state so stay away from any of these as if they are caught you could face a fine as well for placing your child there.

Follow your instincts when i was interveiwing I went and visited the homes 3 times I had it narrowed down to 2 homes and decided to do one final check by just dropping in unannounced in the middle of the day around lunch time to see what was going on. I was surprised to find that what I thought would be the better of the 2 since there was more than one caregiver in the home was actually the most unorganized, filthy, and out of control place I have ever been in my life. I highly recomend an unsceduled visit to each place you are considering and to do it at what is usually the busiest time around lunch just before nap time.

Make sure the caregiver has no problems with you dropping by unexpected at ANY time of day (even naptime). Make sure the caregiver is not taking a nap the same time as the kiddos. I talked to one that didn't want anyone coming by at naptime and then I found out from someone else that she was taking a nap the same time as the kids !