Childcare Options for Babies and Toddlers

These are other peoples' homes that are used as childcare centers. They are regulated by state or local laws. The variation in the quality among these providers is broad. You will need to evaluate these centers carefully to make sure your child is in an optimal situation. The cost for this type of childcare ranges from $75 to over $200 per week and varies by geographic region. One of the biggest concerns with this type of childcare is what to do if your regular provider is ill herself. In this situation, you may not have care available for your child.

Some of these providers have extensive training in child development. Others have virtually no training and even lack basic first aid skills. You should go through a checklist to make sure that you have reviewed the important qualifications that you want for a family home childcare provider. Such checklists are available from a variety of sources. Check with a local daycare association.