Provider of Home Based Services

Providers of home-based services may work with young children in a child’s home or in their own home. They may work with as few as one child or care for several children at one time. Within the home setting, the teacher has the responsibility of providing a safe and stimulating environment (both indoors and outdoors) for children, planning developmentally appropriate activities, ensuring that the children are given nutritious meals, communicating with parents about the program and their children, setting and collecting fees, and managing and marketing a small business.

Often the home setting provides a more natural environment for the care of young children that is seen as more friendly and comfortable by parents. Many women begin this career because they have a preschool child of their own and want additional income for themselves and a social experience for their child. In some states home-based settings have either no, or only minimal, regulations to meet, depending on the number of children served and the hours of operation. In others, family child care homes are required to be licensed and may be able to meet higher standards associated with a state’s Quality Rating System. Many family child care homes care for children of different ages, extending from infancy through school age.

Family child care homes receive funding from parent fees, may participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program to help support adequate nutrition for the children, and may also receive reimbursement for families who receive public or private child care assistance. Most in-home caregivers, often called nannies, operate solely on parent fees. Because of the limited number of children that can be cared for in a home setting, additional sources of revenue can enhance the teachers’ earning potential.

Job possibilities at:

Private homes

Recommended education

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development

Typical salary range

$11,500 – $35,000