Home Daycares in California: An Open Secret

In-home daycares offer a warm, personalized environment that contrasts with the larger, institutional feel of commercial centers. The popularity of licensed home daycares in California is on the rise again: by the end of 2023, the number of family child care homes statewide had slightly surpassed pre-pandemic levels, even as many big centers struggled¹. What’s driving this trend? Below, we’ll explore what home daycares are, their unique pros and cons, and how to find and vet a great home daycare provider.

What Is a Home Daycare and How Is It Different?

A home daycare (officially termed a family child care home in licensing) is a childcare program run out of a provider’s own home, rather than a dedicated daycare center facility². In California, licensed family child care homes may care for a small group of children (often anywhere from 3 up to 12-14 children, depending on license type) in a home-like setting. This usually means one or two adult caregivers looking after a mixed-age group of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in the provider’s residence. By contrast, a traditional child care center operates in a commercial or institutional space, with multiple classrooms divided by age and a larger staff of teachers and aides.

Home daycares tend to feel like an extension of family life – a cozy living room or a dedicated playroom with a small number of children of different ages, rather than a bustling center with dozens of kids. Many parents are drawn to the homey atmosphere and the idea of their child being cared for in a neighborhood setting. Family child care providers often have their own philosophy and style (some may even offer bilingual care or a curriculum inspired by Montessori, etc.), but they all must meet basic state health and safety requirements if licensed. California requires most in-home daycares to be licensed and to adhere to regulations on the number of children per adult, safety standards, and caregiver training (e.g., CPR/first aid). This regulatory oversight helps ensure a baseline of quality and safety, though the setting is more informal than a center.

Pros of Home Daycares

Many California parents love home daycares for the unique benefits they offer. Here are some of the big pros of choosing a home daycare:

Smaller Group & Ratios – Personalized Attention: Home daycares typically enroll far fewer children than centers, which means a lower caregiver-to-child ratio and more individualized attention for each child. Your little one isn’t “one of twenty” – in a family daycare, they might be one of just 4–6 kids with one caregiver, or there may be two caregivers for a group of 10 or 12 in a larger licensed home. This intimate setting allows the provider to really know your child’s personality and needs. Infants, especially, can benefit from that extra one-on-one time and a consistent caregiver they bond with.
Homey, Nurturing Environment: As the name suggests, a home daycare feels like a home – because it is one! The atmosphere is cozy and comforting, which can ease the transition for babies and toddlers. Instead of an institutional vibe, children are cared for in a living room or a dedicated daycare space in someone’s house, complete with comfy couches, family photos on the wall, maybe a backyard to play in, etc. Kids often get to nap in real bedrooms or cribs and eat home-cooked meals at a kitchen table. This home-like setting can make children feel more secure and relaxed, almost like they’re at a relative’s house.
Mixed Ages & Sibling-Friendly: Unlike centers that rigidly separate classes by age, many home daycares keep mixed-age groups. This can be a plus if you have siblings – your toddler and your baby can attend the same daycare and be together, rather than in separate infant and preschool rooms. Mixed ages also allow younger children to learn from the older ones, and the older kids to develop empathy by helping the “littles”. It’s like a little sibling group or playgroup.
Flexibility and Convenience: Home daycare providers are often more flexible with schedules and policies than large centers. Need early drop-off or a four-day schedule? There’s a good chance you can negotiate that with a home provider. The intimate setting means the provider can sometimes accommodate your family’s unique needs more easily – whether that’s potty training in a particular way, dealing with cloth diapers, or adjusting nap schedules. Parents who work non-traditional hours may also find an in-home provider willing to be a bit more accommodating than centers that have strict pickup times.
Lower Illness Exposure: With fewer children in attendance, your child is exposed to fewer germs compared to a big center. Home daycares can’t avoid all colds (and some germs are inevitable in any group setting), but many parents report their kids got sick less often in a small home program than in a larger daycare. Additionally, home providers set their illness policies – some may be more cautious and proactive about sending sick kids home, which can keep the group healthier overall.
Affordability: In many cases, home daycares are a bit more affordable than center-based daycares. The overhead costs are lower (no commercial rent or big admin staff), and family providers set prices that local families can pay. While childcare in California is never truly “cheap,” choosing a licensed home daycare can save money.
Stable Caregiver & Family-Like Bond: Turnover tends to be lower in home settings. Often, the same provider (or a small team) is with your child for years, unlike centers where staff changes are common. Parents appreciate that stability – your baby might have the same caregiver from infancy until preschool age in a home daycare. Over time, the provider can become like an extended family member.

These advantages explain why so many moms and dads rave about their decision to go with an in-home daycare. But of course, there are trade-offs to consider as well.

Cons of Home Daycares

Home daycares aren’t perfect for everyone. Here are some potential downsides or challenges to keep in mind:

Variable Quality & Less Oversight: Every home daycare is unique – that’s part of the charm, but it also means quality can vary widely. Some family child care homes offer a rich, stimulating environment; others might be more basic or even subpar. Unlike centers (which are regularly inspected and have multiple supervisors), an in-home daycare usually has just one person in charge, and they’re their own boss. There’s less day-to-day oversight, so a lot depends on the individual provider’s dedication and experience. Licensing does impose standards, but once a provider is licensed, day-to-day supervision is minimal aside from occasional inspections. This means parents have to do their due diligence (visit, ask questions, check references – see tips below) to ensure the home daycare is truly safe and high-quality. Trust is essential with a sole caregiver setup.
Closure for Provider’s Time Off or Illness: In a center, if a teacher is sick, a substitute or another staff member fills in, and the center stays open. In a home daycare, if the provider is sick or needs a vacation, the daycare will likely close, leaving you without care on those days. Most family daycare providers do build in some time off – e.g., they might take two weeks of vacation per year (often unpaid or you pay half fees) and some holidays. Many also close if they themselves are ill or have an emergency, since they may not have a full staff to cover. Some providers arrange a backup caregiver (an assistant or a substitute) for emergencies, but it’s not guaranteed. As a parent, you need a backup plan for those situations.
Fewer Resources & Facilities: A home daycare is…a home. That means it probably won’t have the fancy facilities that a large center might. Limited space could mean a smaller indoor play area or limited dedicated playground equipment outside. There might be fewer educational materials or toys (though many homes are impressively well-equipped, just on a smaller scale). Structured activities might be less elaborate – some home providers have great curricula, but others may not offer as many organized lessons or excursions simply due to resources.
Potentially Variable Training/Expertise: While many family daycare providers are highly experienced (some are licensed early childhood educators or former preschool teachers), others may have more informal backgrounds. Unlike centers that often require staff to have certain credentials or continuing education units, in-home providers’ qualifications can vary. California licensing does mandate basic health and safety training, but doesn’t require a college degree in child development. This means the educational curriculum at a home daycare might not be as robust or structured, depending on the provider.
Less Social Diversity (Small Peer Group): The flip side of a small, tight-knit group is that your child will have fewer peers to interact with day-to-day. For very social kids or older preschoolers, a home daycare’s limited number of playmates could be a downside. Some parents feel that as children reach 3-4 years old, they benefit from the larger group and pre-k environment of a center to prepare for kindergarten. So, you may decide to use a home daycare for the infant and toddler stage, then switch to a preschool center around age 3 or 4. This is a common path.
Possibility of Philosophy Mismatch: When you hire a home daycare, you’re effectively entrusting one person (or a small team) with a lot of autonomy in how they run the day. Each provider has their childcare philosophy and personal habits. You might find that a provider’s approach to discipline, learning, nutrition, etc., doesn’t align with your preferences. It can be an adjustment if their style isn’t exactly what you expected. This is why doing an interview and trial period can be important – to make sure the provider’s “house rules” and child-rearing style feel right for your family.

Despite these potential cons, thousands of California parents use and love home daycares, but being aware of these issues helps you plan ahead. Many of the drawbacks can be managed if you choose a trustworthy provider and have backup plans. Next, we’ll talk about how to find that trustworthy provider and what parents should ask and check before enrolling in a home daycare.

How to Vet a Home Daycare Provider (Tips for Parents)

Choosing an in-home daycare requires a bit of extra research up front, but it’s worth it for your peace of mind. Here are some actionable tips to help you find and vet the right home daycare for your child:

1. Verify Licensing and Credentials

Always ensure the home daycare is properly licensed by the state of California. Ask to see their license certificate (it should be displayed openly) and note the license number. You can use the license number to look up the provider on California’s online database to see if there are any violations or complaints on record.

Tip: Also ask if they have any additional certifications (like CPR/First Aid, early childhood education classes, or accreditation). A commitment to training is a good sign.

2. Ask for Recommendations & Read Reviews

One of the best ways to find a quality home daycare is through word of mouth. Ask other parents in your community, coworkers, or local parent Facebook groups if they have recommendations. Personal referrals can provide valuable insight into a provider’s reputation. You can also check online platforms that list child care (Winnie, Care.com, Yelp) for reviews of in-home daycares in your area.

Keep in mind that reviews can sometimes be extreme, but look for patterns. If five parents mention the provider is warm and reliable, that’s a great sign. If you see multiple red flags about cleanliness or communication, pay attention. Local resource & referral agencies (like Children’s Council in SF, BANANAS in Oakland, Child Care Resource Center in LA, etc.) maintain lists of licensed home daycares and sometimes have feedback from clients.

3. Interview the Provider (In-Person or Virtually)

Treat your initial meeting like a job interview – because it is! Prepare a list of questions to ask the home daycare provider. Key questions include:

How long have you been operating?
Why did you start a daycare?
What ages do you specialize in or prefer?
What is your daily schedule/routine for the children?
Do you provide meals, and what is a typical menu?
What is your policy on naps, discipline, potty training, and screen time?
How do you handle crying or comforting infants?
What is your policy if a child is sick or gets injured?
How do you communicate with parents about the day (daily report, texts, etc.)?
How many children do you care for, and what are their ages?
Are you the only caregiver, or do you have an assistant?
If you have staff, what is their background?
Also, ask about any backup plan: “What happens if you (the provider) are sick or have an emergency? Do you have a substitute or assistant who can step in, or would we need to find alternate care?”

A good provider will answer these questions openly. Take notes on not just what they say, but how they say it – you want someone who is transparent and whose philosophy aligns with yours.

4. Tour the Home and Observe

Schedule a visit to the daycare (with your child, if possible) to see the environment first-hand. During the visit, pay attention to cleanliness and safety:

Is the home tidy and child-proofed?
Are there safety gates, locked cabinets for chemicals, a fully fenced yard?
Check where the kids play and nap.
Is there enough space for the number of children?
Look at the toys and materials – are they age-appropriate and in good condition?

Also, observe the provider’s interaction with the children.

Do they seem patient, caring, and engaged?
How do the children there look – calm and happy, or chaotic?

Trust your gut during the observation. A warm, well-organized home with happy kiddos is what you want to see. Don’t be too hung up on superficial mess (a few toys on the floor is normal!), but do ensure the home feels safe and inviting. If you can, bring your child for a short play session; see how the provider guides them and whether your child seems comfortable. This visit is crucial – you’ll learn things you can’t from an email or phone call.

5. Discuss Curriculum and Activities

Even if it’s a home setting, you’ll want to know how the days are structured. Ask the provider what a typical day’s schedule looks like.

Is there circle time, story time, outdoor play, art, or music activities?
Do they go on walks to the park or have a backyard for play?
How do they encourage learning and development?

A quality home daycare need not have an academic “curriculum,” but it should offer enriching activities: songs, reading, free play with educational toys, maybe simple crafts or sensory play for toddlers, etc. Mixed-age homes might rotate activities so each age group is engaged. Make sure their approach matches your expectations.

6. Review Policies (Contracts, Hours, Fees)

A professional home daycare will usually have a written contract or handbook. It should cover hours of operation, holidays/vacation closures, payment terms, sick child policies, late pickup fees, etc. Don’t be shy about reviewing this document and asking questions. Key things to confirm:

What are the exact hours and days of care?
Which days will they be closed (and are those paid or unpaid)?
What happens if you need to pick up late occasionally?
How do they handle a child’s illness – is there a 24-hour symptom-free rule?
Also, discuss their protocol if they (the provider) are sick – will you still pay, and do they help find backup care?

Clarify rates and payment schedule (monthly or weekly), and any additional charges (for example, some may charge extra for meals or late payment). Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms. It’s better to sort out these details up front to avoid surprises.

7. Ask for References

Don’t hesitate to request contact info for current or past families who have used the daycare. Speaking directly to other parents can give you an honest perspective. Ask those parents about their experience:

What do they love about the daycare?
How was the adjustment period?
How does the provider communicate and handle any issues?
Would they recommend the provider without hesitation?

Most good providers will have a list of happy parents willing to vouch for them. If a provider seems hesitant or has no references, that could be a red flag. Online reviews are helpful, but a real conversation with another mom or dad is even better for peace of mind.

8. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, after you’ve done the above steps, listen to your gut. You will know if something feels “off” or if it feels just right. Sometimes a daycare checks all the boxes on paper but still doesn’t give you a comfortable vibe – maybe the provider was impatient during your visit, or the home felt too chaotic. Alternatively, you might just click with a provider’s warm personality and philosophy. That chemistry matters. Your child will be spending many hours there, so choose a situation where you feel a sense of trust and ease. It’s okay to keep looking until you find the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Home daycares in California provide an appealing childcare option for parents seeking a more intimate, flexible setting for their little ones. The growing popularity of these family child care homes is driven by their unique benefits: small group sizes, personalized attention, and a homelike atmosphere where kids can flourish. Every family’s needs are different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the daycare vs. center debate. The key is to consider what environment will make your child feel safe, loved, and stimulated, and what will give you peace of mind as a parent.

Whichever route you choose – be it a home daycare or a traditional center – remember that a loving, high-quality environment is what matters most. Here’s to finding childcare that helps your child thrive and gives you confidence as a parent. Good luck on your childcare journey!

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¹California’s Current Child Care Landscape - Public Policy Institute of California

²In-Home Day Care vs. Daycare Center: Pros and Cons