Family Child Care

Family child care (also called family day care or home-based childcare) is a form of licensed childcare in which a provider cares for a small group of children in their own home. Most states allow family child care providers to serve between 6 and 12 children, depending on the ages of children in care and whether an assistant is present. The mixed-age grouping that is common in family child care can benefit children by mimicking sibling dynamics and providing opportunities for older children to model behaviors for younger ones.

Family child care providers must meet state licensing requirements, which typically cover health and safety standards, provider qualifications, background checks, and home inspections. While licensing requirements are generally less extensive than those for center-based care, family child care providers must still maintain proper supervision, follow safe sleep practices, and meet basic nutrition and sanitation standards.

Many family child care providers participate in CACFP, which provides meal reimbursement at Tier 1 or Tier 2 rates based on the provider's geographic location or the income level of enrolled families. Family child care is often a more affordable option for families and may offer more flexible hours than center-based programs, including evening and weekend care.