Home-Based Child Care Backbone of US Infant-Toddler System

Home-based child care is identified as the foundational element of the United States' infant-toddler care system, facing both under-recognition and high demand. This model is particularly vital for families seeking flexible arrangements, such as care from neighbors, multilingual providers, or options for weekend and overnight services. The state of New Mexico's recent initiative to provide no-cost universal child care, announced in September, has highlighted the potential for streamlined processes to support the growth of home-based care businesses. Yaneidy Gomez, a nurse, exemplifies this, having successfully obtained a child care license and opened her own home-based program within a month of the state's announcement. Her decision was influenced by New Mexico's expanded child care assistance program and a belief in sustained state support for this sector. Gomez's personal experience, including caring for her own children and observing her sister-in-law's home-based program, underscored the significance of this care model.

Nationally, home-based child care serves a substantial portion of the infant and toddler population, which experiences the most severe child care shortages. Approximately 30% of infants and toddlers attend home-based care settings, in contrast to only 12% in larger child care centers. The availability of these home-based options is especially critical in rural and immigrant communities, as well as for parents working non-traditional hours. The example of Hobbs, New Mexico, illustrates this, where oilfield jobs have drawn individuals like Gomez and her sister-in-law, who are part of the Cuban immigrant community. These communities often rely on the adaptable and culturally responsive nature of home-based care.

Any comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the deficit in infant-toddler child care must therefore incorporate and bolster home-based care services. New Mexico's approach has prioritized this sector as part of its efforts to increase child care supply. The success of such initiatives in New Mexico offers a potential blueprint for other states considering similar policies. The ease with which Gomez navigated the licensing process, moving from application in March to passing inspection and welcoming her first family by April, demonstrates the impact of reduced bureaucratic hurdles. This swift process, combined with the financial support from the state's assistance program, created an environment conducive to rapid business establishment. The article suggests that by simplifying licensing and providing robust financial backing, states can encourage more individuals to enter the home-based child care field, thereby expanding access for families.