A few weeks ago, Child Care Algoma supervisor Brooke Braido was talking to the parent of a four-year-old boy who was looking for another licensed home-based childcare provider for her son.
This parent’s current provider was closing her doors and moving on to another facet of childcare. The mother told Braido when her son was first introduced to his home childcare provider as a toddler, he was shy, timid and would not speak. Nearly two years later, the boy has an extensive vocabulary and a variety of newly-adapted social skills to go with it. The mother credits his childcare provider and the other children in the small home-based group for bringing him out of his shell.
Braido supervises the licensed home-based childcare providers at Child Care Algoma, and she said, “The personalized atmosphere in the provider’s home is something many of our parents have said has positively impacted their child’s growth and development.”
Sometimes children need that extra care to thrive and reach their potential. With a maximum of six children and in some homes, there are fewer than that, each child receives more one-on-one support. Many parents register their children in home childcare to get social exposure and learn how to make friends before they enrol in school. “Braido said, “Those children typically seem to thrive in our home settings because the close-knit environment is beneficial to meet where they are socially and emotionally.”
Licensed home child care offers the same type of curriculum and structure that a parent may be used to seeing in a centre-based child care program, but just in a more intimate setting. Each of the licensed home child care providers are professional business owners and educators who are dedicated to learning more by attending monthly professional development sessions. Braido said, “They’re always willing to put in that extra time to make their program the best it can be, one that fosters learning, supports growth and creates an overall sense of belonging and well-being for the child and their families.”
In many cases, the child has been with the same provider since they were a year old, or even younger. “The providers develop a strong bond, trust and sense of safety with their children and families. For a lot of our families, our providers have become like family to them.”
Licensed home-based care is a more intimate experience for early learning and an option many parents often don’t consider. With summer approaching Braido anticipates more spaces to become available for school-aged children who need day care. In September, more spaces are available for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children.
Over 150 families in Sault Ste. Marie are served by home-based care providers, which is a unique service in the city. Brooke Braido urges families to connect with her, “To discuss aspects of our programs, safety protocols, home inspections, or flexible hours. I just want parents to call me and ask.”
Contact Brooke Braido at (705) 945-8898 Ext. 263 or visit: www.childcarealgoma.ca/home-child-care