While there is no place like home, finding a quality in-home child care provider can be the next best thing. Many families praise the benefits of enrolling their child in home daycare, where early childhood educators care for a smaller number of kids in the comfort of their home. Here are reasons to consider family care.

Quality home daycare providers can offer families the comfort of care in a setting similar to what kids are used to at their own home, complete with a living room, play area, kitchen, back yard and bathrooms. Quality in-home providers typically treat their charges as extended family members, and a small (and manageable) number of children means they can take walks, play in the back yard, read books, and do other educational activities together.

Child-Provider Ratios are small

Home providers must operate within the regulations specified by the state in which they reside, and one of the requirements is how many kids can be kept by any one family provider. Daycare center ratios are typically higher. When considering in-home care, ask how many children will typically be in care on any given day or the maximum number of children that are allowed.

Family Providers Are Often Close and Convenient

Family Care Providers can often be found in the same neighborhoods, or at least close to home, so convenience is a benefit.

Child Turnover is Low

Family providers are more likely to keep the same kids from birth until they are ready for kindergarten. This creates a loving bond between provider and child.

Parents and Providers Can Work as a Team

Parents and providers can develop strong relationships teaming together to successfully raise a child. They can more easily work together and any issues can be resolved together through mutually beneficial communications.

Cost is On Par With Other Care Options

While rates vary dramatically depending on where you live and the ages of the kids, most in-home providers are comparable in cost to child care centers. In-home providers may be more flexible with parents, but keep in mind that child care is a serious business. Child care providers will expect timely payments and drop-offs/pick-ups of kids.