Family Child Care Homes

Create inspiring, comfortable learning environments for children that capture the feeling of home in family child care settings.

Create a warm and inviting place where children feel at home.

Discover the many ways your home can provide comfortable places where children love to learn and love to be. Filled with no- and low-cost ideas, this book demonstrates many unique and practical possibilities for your home's indoor and outdoor spaces. Chapters are packed with colorful photographs and provide examples and tips for designing learning zones, selecting items, organizing materials, and more. Checklists, resources, and questions are included to help you evaluate your setting, implement changes, and create a place that feels like a second home to the children in your care.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Making Room For Children and For Your Family
Creating an Environment that Meets the Needs of Your Family
Understanding Health and Safety Guidelines for Your Family Child Care Environment
Setting Goals for Your Children and Your Program
Selecting Family Child Care Spaces
If You Are New to Family Child Care

Chapter 2: The “Wow” Factor
Colors and Patterns
Natural Materials
The Right Light (Selecting appropriate lighting sources and locations)
Walls and Halls (displays of children’s work, regulations, labeling)
If You Are New to Family Child Care

Chapter 3: Putting the “Oh” in Organization
Decluttering
Stow, Store, or Throw
Rotating Materials
If You Are New to Family Child Care

Chapter 4: Putting the “Home” Back in Home Child Care
Room Arrangements
Interest Areas Vs. Interest Centers
Design Elements for Child Care Spaces
Selecting Floors, Furniture, and Fun Stuff
Universal Design (ADA codes and guidance)
If You Are New to Family Child Care

Chapter 5: Backyard Environments
Outdoor Play Areas (CPSC and ASTM guidance, applicable ADA requirements)
If You Are New to Family Child Care

Appendix
Materials Inventory Sheets
Time and Use Inventories
Goals Worksheet
Places and Spaces Design Paper
Warning Signs the Environment Isn’t Working
ADA Guidelines for Child Care Programs
Guidelines for Purchasing Safe Toys and Outdoor Play Structures
Top Ten Ways to Develop Quality Environments
Homestyle Places & Spaces Design Worksheet