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.
Home child care providers
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
Provide age-appropriate educational training through organized 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
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.