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: Some states don’t require any regulations unless the provider is caring for six or more children. Some license-exempt providers must follow a set of health and safety requirements and be monitored regularly, though the requirements for license-exempt providers are usually less strict than those for licensed providers. License-exempt family child care providers are often also called family, friend, and neighbor care. Family, friend, and neighbor care is provided in the caregiver’s home by a person who is a relative, friend, or neighbor. You can search for detailed information about providers in your state and find more information about your state’s child care requirements by using the See Your State's Resources feature on this website, select your state under “Get Child Care Resources” which will give you access to a wide variety of child care information for your specific state. You will then have access the “Inspection Reports” and “Child Care Regulations” information for your state. Tips for Choosing This Type of Care
When visiting a family child care provider, ask to see a copy of the program’s license, registration or certification, and inspection history. Most states post inspection reports online. Use the See Your State's Resources feature on this website to see inspection reports of child care providers you are considering. These reports provide valuable information about the quality of child care programs.