Quality Care for Children
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Family, Friend & Neighbor Care

Many parents choose to leave their children in the care of a grandmother or other relative or a trusted neighbor or friend while they are at work or in school. For many families this is a good choice. And even though these caregivers are not registered or licensed as professional child care providers, they share a big responsibility. They are responsible for providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children in their care and play an important role in preparing young children for school.

FAMILY, FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR CARE CHECKLIST

If you are a relative, friend or neighbor caring for someone else’s children while they are at work or in school, we are here to offer you information and support.

We provide information on child development and health and safety as well as opportunities through Play and Learn for caregivers and children to gather with other caregivers and children for fun and learning. We also provide training to caregivers interested in learning more, including the 8 hours of training required of caregivers who are caring for children receiving the state child care subsidy.

For more information about child development and health and safety please follow the links.

Here are some tips if you are considering having your child stay with a family member or friend. Good communication is important to avoid conflict in this relationship. QCC is here to assist the caregiver and the parents.

Tips to avoid conflicts:
  • Convey what is important to you to your chosen caregiver. Make sure both of you agree when you'll drop off and pick up your child, how and when you will pay for child care, what your child can and cannot eat, how you would like your child disciplined, what television you are okay with your child seeing, health and safety measures and toilet training.
  • When you pay a friend or family member to care for your child in your home, you will need to pay employment taxes-this includes social security and workers compensation.
  • It is helpful to have a written agreement with the person who is watching your child. Click here to download an agreement. You will need Adobe Acrobat to open this file.
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