Home Based Care

Home based licensed child care takes place in the provider's home. A home based child care provider may be responsible for one child or multiple children, usually from infancy to age 12. There are two types of licensed home based child care programs in Michigan. Family child care allows providers to care for up to 6 children in their home. Group Home child care allows providers and at least one assistant to care for up to 12 children in their home. In addition to providing care, a career in home based child care also offers the opportunity to explore all facets of small business ownership.
Image
Image
Image

Working with small children means no two days are exactly the same.  Additionally providing care in the home presents the additional challenge of developing and maintaining a safe but stimulating environment within a person or family’s living space.

Home based child care is a small business. Just like any other small business, the owner and, in this case, child care provider, is responsible for determining things like the environment, quality of service provided, and hours. They must also balance community needs with their own. The fee they can charge families directly influences their compensation, ability to pursue additional training, and additions or upgrades to the environment. Additionally, they must balance the needs of the families they serve with their own quality of life.

Family/Group Child Care Home Owner or Assistants are responsible for all aspects of the child care experience. They plan and provide developmentally appropriate activities that support the social and emotional development and educational goals of the child(ren) in their care. They also ensure the child(ren) are provided nutritious meals/snacks, work with families to ensure they are informed about the program, market their business, and set and collect fees.

Anyone working with children should be trained in CPR and first aid. They should also pass a background check.

More information about specific qualifications for the Family/Group Child Care Home Owner or Assistant role can be found by exploring Foundational Levels 1 and 2 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.

Career Pathway
Use this information to guide and plan your career development.
Explore a Career Working with Children
Learn more about careers in the early childhood and school age care and education field.
Exploring Professional Development
Learn about professional development opportunities available to the early childhood and school age care and education field.