Child Care: Before and After School In-Home Care

What is before and after school in-home care?

Before and after school care is generally for children 6 to 12 years of age. Care is also provided holidays, school breaks, and vacations. In-home care means hiring someone to care for your child in your own home. The caregiver may be a friend, neighbor, relative, or professional nanny. If you hire the person through an agency, a background check should have already been done. Some states have resources that allow you to do background checks. For further information, contact Child Action at 916-369-0191.

Ask the prospective caregiver:

• Can you tell me more about your background and experience?
• What are some reasons you enjoy taking care of children? Do you have children of your own?
• How will you get to and from work?
• How will my child be transported if you leave the house?
• What are your expectations regarding length of commitment?
• Do you smoke? Do you have any health problems?
• Have you had training in first aid?
• What kinds of activities might you plan for my child?
• What are your views on discipline? Meals? Television? Friends?
• What would you do if . . . ? (Give examples relevant to your situation: medical and personal emergencies, common problems with child.)
• Can you give me several references, preferably from former employers?
• What questions do you have for me?

Observe or ask about:

Home

Does my home have:

• child-sized furniture?
• ample toys and art materials?
• plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
• special areas for quiet and active play?
• safe, creative outdoor play equipment?

Caregiver

Does the caregiver:

• welcome my questions and suggestions?
• share my childrearing philosophy?
• take time to share my child's experiences with me?
• sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
• respect my child's unique background and interests?
• really listen and talk to my child?
• establish and consistently maintain limits?
• provide consistent care so my child has a stable, predictable daily routine?

Program

Will the activities the caregiver provides:

• balance active, physical activities with quiet, restful ones?
• prohibit play that could quickly get out of hand?
• patiently encourage toddlers to solve some problems on their own?
• help children deal with feelings constructively?
• provide security through a well-defined, predictable schedule of daily activities?
• balance structured and unstructured activities?

Health and Safety

• Is each child required to have an up-to-date immunization record?
• Does the facility meet state standards for how many children can be taken care of by one adult?
• Are staff and children taught to wash hands with soap and water after using the restroom or contact with body fluids?
• What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
• Is the caregiver trained in first aid?
• Does my home have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?
• Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
• Does my caregiver always know how to get in touch with both parents?
• Can all doors, inside the home be opened from the outside at all times?
• Are the outside doors and windows locked?
• Are the rooms well ventilated and comfortable year-round?
• Are stairways and walkways free from clutter?
• Are small, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet? (Examples include pins, thumbtacks, paper clips, matches, lighters, knives, plastic bags, scissors, guns, razor blades, glassware, appliances.)
• Are poisonous items stored out of reach or locked in cupboards, drawers, or cabinets? (Examples include cleaning products, polish, bleach, medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, aerosol cans, and first aid supplies.)
• Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?