Where can I go to find reputable, certified, reliable, safe, etc., in home child care providers in my area? e.g. websites, networks, etc.
Word of mouth is the best way. My babysitter was in such demand it was unbelievable. This was all from word of mouth. Not sure I would have looked on the Internet, but I know people do. That's just me. I think if you ask around your neighborhood you might just find someone close by.
I am a nanny. I work thru sittercity.com there is also care.com you can also call your local ymca they have whats called the resource and referral program that you can find local home daycare providers. good luck
The state of IL has a child care resource site online to help find child care. I used it a long time ago but ended up not needing it. It told me whether it was a site or in-home, license info. But you still need to interview and see what fits you and your child. I cannot remember the actual site name but you could check out the DHS website or google for the state site.
In our area we have Community Childcare Connection that has lists of DCFS providers.
Honestly, though, word of mouth is so much more reassuring to me. I would talk to friends and neighbors and call local churches. Ask people who they have used or who they know that is using a provider or who is a provider.
If you have school age kids or preschoolers you can call your local grade school. They very often have lists of providers for after school care, and many of those providers will also do all day care.
Good luck! It can be a scary step, but just visit places and trust your gut. It really does work.
I am a home daycare provider and have found many of my families through care.com. I am not sure how to verify safe and reliable beyond checking their references. CCR&R will provide you a list of licensed homes. Be aware that being licensed doesn't necessarily mean good. It means they passed a background check and the house meet minimum safety standards. Always check references.
You might get better responses to this if you put your area in your question. That helps people open up questions in areas where they live or where they have some familiarity. Some Mamapedia members get questions on certain topics fed to them, and one of those filters is geographical. So if you wrote Gurnee IL area - Seeking In-Home Child Care" as your question, you might be more targeted responses. Good luck
Honestly, I found our kids' amazing childcare provider through Craigslist. I spent a long time talking with her and visiting her business, then called a number of her references and verified her status with the licensing agency. Our kids haven't been with her for many years, but we've maintained a friendship with her and she's like family.
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Besides word of mouth you need to go take a tour of a bunch of them. Ask questions about things you care about while you are there. That is really the only way to really see how you like certain places.
Gurnee has lots of good centers. Child will have more fun there, most likely. And those are more reliable (never close or get sick). Good luck with your search!
