Home Is Where the Heart (and Care) Is! - post

Related State Bundles

Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle

$90

Are you currently working in an Alabama child care center and looking to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement? Then you’re ready for this all-in-one annual training bundle!

Our Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle offers a streamlined way to complete your yearly in-service training as required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This bundle includes interactive courses in health and safety, child development, positive guidance, emergency preparedness, language development, and more.

Stay compliant, build your professional knowledge, and maintain your eligibility to work in licensed child care programs across Alabama—all at your own pace.

✅ Fulfills the 12-hour annual in-service training requirement for center-based child care workers
✅ Approved for Alabama DHR compliance
✅ Ideal for renewing licenses and maintaining employment in regulated child care centers

• Healthy Habits from the Start
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Stay Alert! Steps to Emergency Prep Online Version
• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Alabama 20- Hour Annual Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Home Licensee

$150

Are you an Alabama family or group day care home licensee looking to fulfill your 20-hour annual training requirement? Then you're ready for this comprehensive, home-provider-focused training bundle!

This Alabama Licensee Annual Training Bundle is tailored exclusively for licensed providers operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 20 clock hours of annual training required by the Alabama DHR and covers all six mandated training areas. Whether you're renewing your license, preparing for inspection, or enhancing the quality of care in your home program, this bundle ensures you're in full compliance and growing professionally.

🎯 What’s Included in This Bundle:

• ✅ Child Development
• ✅ Health and Safety
• ✅ Positive Guidance & Discipline 
• ✅ Language and Literacy Development
• ✅ Family Communication

✅ Why Choose This Bundle?

• Aligned with Alabama DHR Family and Group Day Care Home Licensing Standards
• Designed specifically for home-based child care providers
• Flexible, online, self-paced access
  
  

• You're Not My Friend Anymore: Learning Conflict Resolution
• Working Together: Teachers & Preschoolers
• The Right Kind of Influence for Young Children
• Supporting Little Hearts: Divorce and Separation in the Child Care Setting
• Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy
• Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
• Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
• Building a Community of Families

Alabama 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Homes

$185

Are you planning to open a licensed family or group day care home in Alabama? Do you need to complete your 24 hours of preservice training? Then you’re ready for this specialized training bundle!

This Alabama Family/Group Day Care Homes 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle is tailored for prospective licensees operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 24-hour preservice training requirement set by Alabama DHR and includes focused modules on child development, universal precautions, nutrition, licensing regulations, and family communication.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own in-home child care business or updating your credentials, this training will guide you through every essential topic to ensure a successful and compliant start.

✅ Satisfies the Alabama DHR 24-hour preservice training requirement for new licensees
✅ Covers all six required training areas
✅ Perfect for new child care entrepreneurs and home-based provider.

• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Administering Basic Health and Safety ONLINE
• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers
• DAP for Family Child Care
• Business Planning: Family Child Care
• Let’s Talk: Effective Communication
• A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood
• Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities

Home Is Where the Heart (and Care) Is!

🌟 A Fun Guide to Family Child Care for Aspiring Providers

What makes family child care such a special option?

Family child care is provided right in a caregiver’s #home, typically featuring mixed-age groups, a warm, home-like environment, and lower adult-to-child ratios—culminating in personalized attention and strong bonds with children. It also tends to be more affordable than center-based care, thanks to lower overhead and staffing needs.

Who should consider becoming a family child care provider?

If you're someone who loves #early-childhood interactions, values building deep connections, and prefers setting your own schedule and environment—this path is for you. Providers often #nurture children through consistent caregiver relationships, fostering trust and individualized learning.

Why choose family child care over a center?

• Cozy environment: Kids feel more secure and relaxed in a home-like setting.

• Flexible hours: Evening, weekend, or non-standard care can be a possibility.

• Lower costs: Typically more affordable than center-based programs.

Yet it’s wise to consider that oversight might be less structured, and mixed-age settings may not suit every family.

How much should you charge (or expect to charge)?

Rates vary widely by location, experience, and responsibilities. Babysitters and nannies average between $15–$31/hour, while family child care rates align with market conditions in your area.

A helpful benchmark: In Massachusetts (back in 2008), full-time infant care cost about $10,324/year in family #daycare versus $15,895 in center-based care; in parts of South Carolina, it was about $3,582/year for family care versus $5,690 for centers.

To determine fair rates:

1. Analyze your own costs (supplies, food, utilities, licensing).

2. Review typical rates in your area via provider associations or market studies.

How do you build your clientele?

• Create genuine relationships with families—daily communication fosters trust.

• Highlight your home-like advantage: consistency, flexibility, and individualized care.

• Consider offering community days, open houses, or sibling discounts.

• Earn professional credentials (like the CDA) to boost credibility and visibility.

What’s the value of the CDA credential for family child care providers?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is highly respected in #early-childhood-education. It demonstrates competence across key care areas—from #developmental guidance to home-based practices—and can set you apart professionally.

Which professional development resources can help you shine?

• CDA Family Child Care Credential Course
An in-depth course tailored for family child care providers—packed with training, tools, and know-how to support both care and business success.

• Creating the CDA Portfolio Handbook
A practical companion for CDA candidates—helps you #craft, organize, and present your portfolio with confidence and clarity.

Ready to make your home one that #nurtures and inspires?

Family child care is a rewarding, flexible way to offer high-quality care in a genuine, family-like setting. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your program, the CDA credential and our resources can pave the way.

Stay connected with ChildCareEd!

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram @childcareed for inspiration, updates, tips, and community support. Your journey matters—and we're here cheering you on every day!

Related State Bundles

Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle

$90

Are you currently working in an Alabama child care center and looking to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement? Then you’re ready for this all-in-one annual training bundle!

Our Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle offers a streamlined way to complete your yearly in-service training as required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This bundle includes interactive courses in health and safety, child development, positive guidance, emergency preparedness, language development, and more.

Stay compliant, build your professional knowledge, and maintain your eligibility to work in licensed child care programs across Alabama—all at your own pace.

✅ Fulfills the 12-hour annual in-service training requirement for center-based child care workers
✅ Approved for Alabama DHR compliance
✅ Ideal for renewing licenses and maintaining employment in regulated child care centers

• Healthy Habits from the Start
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Stay Alert! Steps to Emergency Prep Online Version
• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Alabama 20- Hour Annual Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Home Licensee

$150

Are you an Alabama family or group day care home licensee looking to fulfill your 20-hour annual training requirement? Then you're ready for this comprehensive, home-provider-focused training bundle!

This Alabama Licensee Annual Training Bundle is tailored exclusively for licensed providers operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 20 clock hours of annual training required by the Alabama DHR and covers all six mandated training areas. Whether you're renewing your license, preparing for inspection, or enhancing the quality of care in your home program, this bundle ensures you're in full compliance and growing professionally.

🎯 What’s Included in This Bundle:

• ✅ Child Development
• ✅ Health and Safety
• ✅ Positive Guidance & Discipline 
• ✅ Language and Literacy Development
• ✅ Family Communication

✅ Why Choose This Bundle?

• Aligned with Alabama DHR Family and Group Day Care Home Licensing Standards
• Designed specifically for home-based child care providers
• Flexible, online, self-paced access
  
  

• You're Not My Friend Anymore: Learning Conflict Resolution
• Working Together: Teachers & Preschoolers
• The Right Kind of Influence for Young Children
• Supporting Little Hearts: Divorce and Separation in the Child Care Setting
• Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy
• Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
• Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
• Building a Community of Families

Alabama 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Homes

$185

Are you planning to open a licensed family or group day care home in Alabama? Do you need to complete your 24 hours of preservice training? Then you’re ready for this specialized training bundle!

This Alabama Family/Group Day Care Homes 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle is tailored for prospective licensees operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 24-hour preservice training requirement set by Alabama DHR and includes focused modules on child development, universal precautions, nutrition, licensing regulations, and family communication.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own in-home child care business or updating your credentials, this training will guide you through every essential topic to ensure a successful and compliant start.

✅ Satisfies the Alabama DHR 24-hour preservice training requirement for new licensees
✅ Covers all six required training areas
✅ Perfect for new child care entrepreneurs and home-based provider.

• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Administering Basic Health and Safety ONLINE
• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers
• DAP for Family Child Care
• Business Planning: Family Child Care
• Let’s Talk: Effective Communication
• A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood
• Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities