Home child care is provided in a family-like setting for infants, toddlers, and preschool and school-age children. Children from the same family can be cared for together, often in their own neighbourhood, and close to school and friends. Hours of care can be flexible and may be adapted to suit the needs of individual families.
Advantages of Licensed Home Child Care
There are a number of advantages in Licensed Home Child Care:
- the agency provides training, support, supervision, administration, and “matching” between families and caregivers
- staff from the Home Child Care Agency called “Home Visitors” routinely inspect the homes of caregivers registered with the agency to ensure that the requirements of the Day Nurseries Act are being met
- home visitors help providers plan activities for children at different stages of development and provide advice about nutritious meal planning
- agencies provide training to caregivers
- caregivers relate to children in a positive manner that enhances self-esteem and self-confidence, and inappropriate physical, emotional, or verbal behaviour is not permitted (e.g. hitting, insulting, and yelling)
Licensed Home Child Care Agencies
Wee Watch Private Home Day Care
6633 Glengary Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2J 1L5
905-371-3697
Regional Municipality of Niagara – Children’s Services
2201 St. David’s Road, PO Box 344
Thorold, Ontario L2V 3Z3
905-984-6900
Adolescent’s Family Support Services of Niagara (AFSSN)
285 East Main Street
Welland, Ontario L3B 3X1
905-735-2566
Unlicensed Home Child Care
Unlicensed Home Child Care is informal, and is usually provided by a neighbour, friend, or relative. If a home takes in more than five children at one time, it must be licensed as a daycare centre. If you are concerned about an unlicensed centre, contact the Ministry of Children & Youth Services, Child Care Unit at 905-521-7280 or 1-800-263-5413.
Questions for Home Child Care Provider
Before deciding if a Provider is right for you, you might want to ask a few questions:
- How long have you cared for children?
- Do you have a genuine interest in children?
- What would you do in an emergency? (ask specific questions)
- Do you transport children to special activities in your car? (if yes, ask about insurance, car seats, and Driver’s License)
- Do you have any pets?
- Will there be other children and adults in your home while you are caring for my child? (if the answer is “yes”, ask to meet the other children and adults and make sure you are comfortable about your child being with them)
- What are the your behaviour management practices?
- Do you have any formal training?
- Do you require parents to keep children home when they are sick?
- Have you had a police check? (ask to see documentation)
- Do you participate in professional development on a regular basis?
Observe the surroundings:
- Are the rooms clean and bright?
- Are the rooms at a comfortable temperature?
- Is the house free from unpleasant odours?
- What kinds of safety features are in use (e.g. safety gates)?
- Are medications and cleaning supplies out of reach of children?
- Is the outside play area safe?
- What kind of toys are available? Are there enough? Is there a variety? Are they clean, in good repair, and suited to the children’s ages?
- Is there evidence that the children are free to take part in activities that might be considered “messy” such as painting and crafts?
- Is the napping area appropriate and adequate?