Title: Family Child Care Homes | Childcare.gov
Headings: Family Child Care Homes
Family Child Care Homes
Tips for Choosing This Type of Care
Why Families Choose This Type of Care

Content: Family Child Care Homes | Childcare.gov
Family Child Care Homes
Family child care homes are known by many different names. Depending on where you live and the regulations in your state, you may see them called any the following names: Licensed child care homes
Licensed group family child care homes
Legally exempt or license-exempt homes
Certified child care homes
Registered child care homes
Family, friend, and neighbor care
In this type of child care arrangement, providers care for small groups of children in a residential building—a house, apartment, or condo unit. Depending on the regulations in your state, this may or may not be the same home that the provider lives in. A family child care home may be classified as large or small, depending on how many children are cared for. The number of infants and toddlers that can be cared for in a family child care home is often limited. Depending on the rules in your state, family child care providers may or may not be required to be licensed. Licensed providers are required to follow a set of basic health and safety requirements. Licensing agency staff visit family child care homes regularly to make sure they are meeting these health and safety requirements. These licensing inspections are an important safety check.