Home Child Care Providers

Nature of work

Home child care providers care for children on an ongoing or short-term basis. They care for the well-being and physical and social development of children, assist parents with child care and may assist with household duties. They provide care primarily in their own homes or in the children's homes, where they may also reside. They are employed by private households and child-care agencies, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Home child care providers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Supervise and care for children in employer's or own residence.
• Bathe, dress and feed infants and children.
• Prepare formulas and change diapers for infants.
• Plan, prepare and serve meals for children and may perform other housekeeping duties.
• Oversee children's activities, such as meals and rest periods, as instructed by employer.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home.
• Instruct children in personal hygiene.
• Tend to the emotional well-being of children and support their social development.
• Discipline children according to the methods requested by the parents.
• Organize and participate in activities such as games, crafts, reading and outings.
• Take children to and from school and appointments.
• May be required to keep records of daily activities and health information regarding each child.

Foster parents perform some or all of the following duties:

• Care for foster children, usually on an emergency or temporary basis, as a primary guardian under general direction of foster parent agency.
• Consult foster parent agency supervisors for advice and when problems arise.
• Administer foster care programs for foster children, as directed by foster parent agency social workers.

Sample job titles

• au pair
• babysitter
• child care provider - private home
• family child care provider
• foster parent
• home child care provider
• live-in caregiver, child care
• live-in nanny
• nanny
• parent's helper

Skills

To work in this field, you must be patient, understanding, and emotionally supportive along with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. The ability to handle stressful situations may be needed. You should be sensitive and able to respond in a positive and caring way. The ability to follow directions and work under supervision is also important. Dependability and good judgement are also essential. Good health and physical strength may be necessary for some positions.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school may be required.
• Home child care providers, parent's helpers and foster parents may require completion of a training program in child care or a related field.
• First aid certification and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training may be required.

Other considerations

Most workers in these jobs do not work full-time for the entire year, and jobs tend to be seasonal. Demonstrated ability to perform work is usually required. Child care or household management experience may be required. There is mobility among jobs in this group.

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