Family Child Care

Family child care takes place in the provider's home. Usually one provider cares for six or fewer children (including her own) between the ages of 0 and 12 years old.

 Considerations:

• Your child may feel comfortable in the "home away from home" environment with all of the familiar sights and sound--radio, telephone, TV, mail-carrier, etc.
• Family child care providers are not-required-to-be-licensed and there are not many children so the number of "evaluating eyes" is limited.
• One consistent caregiver offers the opportunity for bonding.
• An individual child usually rest, eat or play when she or he is ready.
• The providers may be able to accommodate your child when he or she has a minor illness or you need to work overtime. But you will need a backup arrangement for times when the caregiver is sick, on vacation or has an appointment.
• In some cases, children may not have someone close in age to play with.
• The caregiver works in isolation from other caregivers.
• Family child care has only recently begun to claim a place in the profession.

Thus many providers lack a connection to standards or the support of an organized community of providers

Our Child Care Resource and Referral program provides a place to call for information on providers located in your area, which are identified by zip codes throughout Louisiana and information on what to look for in a program/provider.

Are you interested in providing home-based child care in your neighborhood? Do you enjoy taking care of children and want to benefit from sharing your parenting skills? To receive free training and support call Kathleen Lee at (504) 586-8509, outside of the New Orleans area (800) 486-1712, or email klee@agendaforchildren.org.