What Parents Look for in a Home Daycare: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting.

Hey friend,

So, you’re thinking about starting a home daycare? That’s awesome! Opening your doors to little ones is a fulfilling and rewarding career path. But before you dive in, let me tell you something that might surprise you:

Parents are picky—and they should be.

When it comes to their kids, parents want the best. They’re not just looking for a place to drop off their child for the day—they’re looking for a safe, nurturing, and educational environment where their little one will thrive.

If you’re serious about starting a successful home daycare, you need to think like a parent. What do THEY want? What will make them trust you? What will make them choose YOUR daycare over someone else’s?

To help you get started, here’s a list of key questions to ask yourself to ensure your home daycare meets (and exceeds!) what parents are looking for.

1. Is My Home Safe and Child-Friendly?

💡 What Parents Want: A home daycare that feels warm, clean, and 100% safe.

Parents’ biggest worry is their child’s safety. They’ll look for:

Childproofed spaces (outlet covers, baby gates, cabinet locks).
A clean, clutter-free environment.
Secure entryways and a clear sign-in/sign-out system.

Ask Yourself:

Have I eliminated all potential hazards (sharp objects, choking risks, uncovered outlets)?
Do I have a designated space that’s solely for daycare use?
Are my backyard and outdoor play areas secure?

💡 Pro Tip: During tours, point out safety measures like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and your emergency plan. Parents will appreciate your attention to detail!

2. Do I Have a Clear Routine and Curriculum?

💡 What Parents Want: A structured daily routine with activities that promote learning and development.

Parents don’t just want their kids to be entertained—they want them to learn, grow, and socialize.

Ask Yourself:

Do I have a consistent daily schedule that balances play, learning, meals, and naps?
Have I chosen a curriculum or approach (e.g., play-based, Montessori-inspired)?
Am I planning age-appropriate activities for all developmental areas (social, cognitive, physical, emotional)?

📊 Fact: According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), structured, high-quality early learning programs improve school readiness by 50%.

💡 Pro Tip: Share your schedule with parents during tours and show examples of your planned activities.

3. Am I Good at Building Relationships with Parents?

💡 What Parents Want: Open communication and someone they can trust.

Trust is EVERYTHING. Parents want a caregiver who feels like an extension of their family.

Ask Yourself:

Am I comfortable giving daily updates on their child’s day?
Do I have a system for communicating (e.g., daily reports, an app, or text updates)?
How will I handle concerns or conflicts with parents?

💡 Pro Tip: Set the tone early by being approachable and transparent. Offer a parent handbook with clear policies and keep them informed about their child’s progress.

4. Can I Handle Emergencies and Stay Calm Under Pressure?

💡 What Parents Want: A provider who is prepared to handle the unexpected.

Accidents and emergencies happen, and parents need to know you can handle them.

Ask Yourself:

Am I CPR and first aid certified?
Do I have a first aid kit and emergency plan in place?
Do I know the protocol for handling illnesses or injuries?

📊 Fact: A survey by Child Care Aware found that 70% of parents prioritize providers with CPR and first aid training when choosing a daycare.

💡 Pro Tip: Show parents your certifications and explain your emergency procedures during the initial interview. It builds confidence in your abilities.

5. Do I Have Clear Policies in Place?

💡 What Parents Want: Consistency and professionalism.

Parents appreciate structure and clarity. A lack of policies leads to confusion and frustration.

Ask Yourself:

Have I created a written contract and parent handbook?
Do I have policies for payments, sick days, late pickups, and vacation?
How will I handle behavioral issues?

💡 Pro Tip: Parents respect providers who enforce their policies consistently—it shows you take your daycare seriously.

6. How Will I Make My Daycare Feel Like “Home”?

💡 What Parents Want: A warm, loving environment where their child feels safe and happy.

In-home daycares have a huge advantage over larger centers: they feel like a second home. Parents love the smaller group size and personal attention.

Ask Yourself:

How will I create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere?
Am I warm, patient, and loving in my interactions with children?
Do I treat each child like they’re part of my family?

💡 Pro Tip: Highlight the benefits of your smaller group size—more one-on-one attention, a quieter environment, and closer relationships with each child.

7. What Sets My Daycare Apart?

💡 What Parents Want: Something unique that makes your daycare stand out.

When parents tour multiple daycares, they’ll be looking for the “wow” factor that sets yours apart.

Ask Yourself:

Do I have a niche or specialty (e.g., bilingual learning, nature-based curriculum, STEM-focused activities)?
Am I offering something unique, like a garden, music program, or flexible hours?
How will I communicate my daycare’s value to parents?

💡 Fact: Daycares with a clear niche or specialty fill spots 30% faster than generalist daycares (Child Care Aware).

8. Am I Ready to Handle the Business Side?

💡 What Parents Want: A professional, organized provider who runs a reliable business.

Running a daycare is more than just caring for kids—it’s also about managing finances, marketing, and paperwork.

Ask Yourself:

Do I have a budget and pricing plan?
Have I researched licensing and insurance requirements?
Do I have a system for billing and tracking payments?

💡 Pro Tip: Use childcare management software to stay organized—it’ll save you hours and make you look like a pro!

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Meet Parents’ Expectations?

Starting a home daycare is an incredible opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives while building a career you love. But success doesn’t just happen—you need to think like a parent and ensure your daycare is a place they’ll feel 100% confident choosing.

What Parents Want Most:

✔️ A safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
✔️ A structured schedule that includes learning and fun.
✔️ Open communication and a trustworthy relationship.
✔️ Professionalism and clear policies.
✔️ A warm, loving caregiver who treats their child like family.

If you can check these boxes (and I know you can!), you’ll not only meet parents’ expectations—you’ll exceed them.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to start your home daycare, here’s what you can do today:
✅ Download a Free Home Daycare Checklist (Link Coming Soon).
✅ Join My Facebook Group to connect with other providers (Coming Soon).

Friend, you’ve got this! Parents are looking for someone like YOU to care for their little ones—so go make it happen! 😊

Let’s Chat!

What’s your biggest concern about starting a home daycare? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!

Explore & Educate