Facts In Action

Turning a family home into a business and quality early care and education setting can be a challenge. Beyond the basic state Family Child Care licensing regulations, there are other ways to create a welcoming, learning environment. Below are some suggestions of specific ways providers can achieve the balance between a home and an early care and education setting.

Drop-Off Space — Parents and children need a warm, comfortable space where they can develop a drop-off routine. Set up a place for children to keep their belongings, such as a tote bag on a special hook identified by their picture or their name. Also, pictures of children and their families, laminated so children can touch them, can be displayed at a child's eye level to make the space feel more welcoming.

Arranging the Environment — A family child care setting needs to be arranged to accommodate the ages of all children in care. Babies need a place to crawl, pre-walkers to "cruise," and older children need a place to play separately from babies. In addition, all children need a place to spend quiet time alone; this can be as simple as arranging a corner of a room with pillows and books.

Play — A place for block play is important, and can be done by all ages. Cloth blocks can be used safely with older infants and young toddlers. Cardboard or plastic blocks will work for children two and three years old and wooden blocks for children three to five. Setting out several sets of props to use with the blocks can extend the activity into fantasy play. Additional items that will encourage fantasy play include stuffed animals, dolls, and "real life" props such as kitchen utensils. These should represent a variety of cultures and genders. A small blanket on the floor with a few dolls or animals on it provides a suggestion for play.

Materials — A variety of materials of different developmental levels will ensure that all children can play freely and remain engaged. Store materials so that they are accessible to children and easily put away. Use materials that reflect the lives of the children enrolled and people of diverse race, ethnicity, and gender. Many household items -- large cardboard boxes, food boxes, plastic yogurt containers, and sticky paper -- make wonderful playthings. In addition, access to water and sand can be very soothing and are great for group or individual play - whether set up inside the home or in the backyard.

Books — Encouraging children to look at and listen to books is important in developing reading and writing skills. Have a variety of age-appropriate books and arrange them so they are easily accessible. Setting up a special place with soft pillows to sit on while reading will make books more inviting.

These suggestions are part of a larger process of voluntary accreditation for family child care providers administered by National Association for Family Child Care.

Sources: National Association for Family Child Care, at NAFCC.org; Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers, A.L. Dombro, L.J. Colker and D.T. Dodge, 1999.

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Facts in Action, September/October 2003