Qualities of a Great Home Child Care Provider

When considering providing child care, it is essential that individuals are aware of the personal and professional qualities Little Lambs considers to be of importance and would assist them in caring for children.

A great home child care provider is someone who:

• Enjoys children and is happy to spend time with them.
• Sees a child as an individual and makes every effort to understand and encourage his/her development.
• Is aware of children's developmental stages and ages and can provide fun learning activities appropriate to the children in care.
• Accepts her/his work with children as a major responsibility while the children are in her/his home.
• Is friendly, warm, affectionate and understanding.
• Has patience and can maintain control in different and/or surprising circumstances.
• Is responsible/reliable: the children and the parent/guardian depend on you
• Is flexible: when working with children, things change and seldom go as planned.
• Has knowledge of nutritional needs of children and will provide nutritious snacks and lunches to promote healthy eating habits.
• Has lots of energy, whether caring for infants, chasing two year olds or coping with the emotional ups and downs of school age children.
• Is willing to share his/her home and some personal possessions.
• Has good health: working with children means exposure to colds, viruses, and a variety of normal childhood illness.
• Has knowledge of first aid and a plan for dealing with emergencies.
• Is willing to follow appropriate behaviour management techniques
• Communicates and cooperates with the parent/guardian of the children in his/her care as well as his/her ECE Home Visitor and Agency.
• Uses discretion: as a provider you many come upon things about your families, which must remain confidential. 
• Is willing to keep accurate records as required.
• Is willing to increase and enhance her/his qualifications by attending workshops and learning to use the available community resources.
• Has a willingness to work in partnership with the parent/guardian and the staff of Little Lambs. 

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