Home childcare providers care for children on an ongoing or short-term basis. They are responsible for the well-being and physical and social development of children, assist parents with child care, and may assist with household duties. They provide care primarily in their own homes or in the children's homes, where they may also reside.[1]
Key responsibilities include:
- Supervising and caring for children
- Bathing, dressing, and feeding infants and children
- Preparing meals and snacks
- Maintaining a safe and healthy environment
- Supporting children's emotional well-being and social development
- Organizing educational activities and outings
- Disciplining children according to parents' wishes
- Taking children to/from school and appointments
Home childcare providers may also keep records of daily activities and health information for each child. Some providers, known as foster parents, care for foster children on a temporary basis under the direction of a foster parent agency.[1]
Work-life balance can be challenging, as providers often work long hours, including early mornings and evenings. However, working from home allows for some flexibility. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring patience and energy to care for multiple children throughout the day.
How to Become Home child care providers -
To become a home childcare provider in India:
- Complete secondary school education (10+2)
- Obtain relevant training and certification:
- Complete a Diploma in Child Care Taker program
- Take courses in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
- Get certified in First Aid and CPR for children[6]
- Gain experience through internships or assistant roles in childcare settings
- Meet regulatory requirements:
- Obtain necessary licenses/registrations as per local regulations
- Complete background checks
- Provide proof of immunizations
- Ensure your home meets safety standards[11]
- Develop a business plan if starting your own home daycare
- Market your services and build a client base
Key skills and competencies required:
- Patience and compassion
- Strong communication skills
- Physical stamina
- Problem-solving abilities
- Creativity for planning activities
- Basic knowledge of child development
- Ability to multitask and stay organized
- Adaptability to handle various situations
Salary:
As of 2025, the average salary for childcare workers in India ranges from ₹8,741 to ₹33,868 per month. Entry-level positions typically earn between ₹8,741 and ₹24,181 per month, while those with 5 years of experience can earn between ₹11,908 and ₹39,111 per month for a 48-hour work week.
Career Progression:
Home childcare providers can advance their careers by:
- Gaining additional certifications and qualifications
- Expanding their services to care for more children
- Opening a larger daycare center
- Specializing in areas like special needs care or early education
Industry Trends and Future Outlook:
The global child care services market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.33% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 396.4 billion by 2030. The home-based segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth due to its flexible schedules and more affordable and accessible care options.[7]
Key growth influencers include government policies promoting affordable child care, demographic shifts like urbanization, and increased investment in early childhood education. Emerging opportunities lie in technology integration, with digital platforms facilitating service selection and management, as well as niche services like special needs child care.[10]
In India, the demand for childcare workers is expected to grow significantly. Over the five years to November 2025, the number of job openings for childcare positions is projected to be very high, with employment growth of 41% compared to 6.9% across all occupations.[12]
Challenges and opportunities:
The industry faces challenges such as high operational costs, stringent regulations, and workforce shortages. However, there are opportunities for innovation in developing cost-effective care models, leveraging AI and IoT for enhanced learning experiences, and creating online networks for parents and providers.[10]
Citations:
[1] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/24770/ca
[2] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/24770/ca
[3] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/24770/ca
[4] https://paycheck.in/career-tips/role-income/india-child-care-workers
[5] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/24770/ON;jsessionid=245C9376A5273ADB45B8960B3D2CFEC7.jobsearch77
[6] https://iisdt.in/product/diploma-in-child-care-taker/
[7] https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/child-care-services-market-report
[8] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/24770/ca
[9] https://www.tucareers.com/ncocareers/5311.0200
[10] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/24/2968423/28124/en/Child-Care-Market-Outlook-Report-2030-Growth-Forecast-Products-Segments-Technology-Trends-Regulatory-Factors-Leading-Companies-Strategic-Opportunities-Regional-Insights.html
[11] https://www.lcc.on.ca/home-child-care-provider-career
[12] https://nationalskillindiamission.in/updates/2360/
[13] https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-child-care-market
[14] https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-childcare-provider
[15] https://www.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/child-care
[16] http://mydaycareonline.com
[17] https://resources.workable.com/child-care-provider-job-description
[18] https://carleton.ca/psychology/wp-content/uploads/home-daycare-provider.pdf
[19] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/24770/AB;jsessionid=D04B438ECEE74A3F59FF1BD030AF6990.jobsearch74
[20] https://www.betterteam.com/child-care-provider-job-description
[21] https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/home-child-care-providers
[22] https://www.vpl.ca/siic/guide/employment-guides/home-child-care-providers/how-do-i-become-home-child-care-provider
[23] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/caregivers/child-care-home-support-worker.html
[24] https://mblawpc.ca/immigration-to-canada-for-home-daycare-providers/
[25] https://newcomershire.ca/noc/noc-4411-job-description/
[26] https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?CLV=4&CPV=4411&CST=01012011&CVD=122376&Function=getVD&MLV=4&TVD=122372
[27] https://leverageedu.com/learn/career-abroad-caregiver-salary-in-canada/
[28] https://ca.indeed.com/cmp/B-O-Licensed-Home-Child-Care/salaries/Caregiver
[29] https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/child-care-worker/india
[30] https://cccf-fcsge.ca/ece-resources/professional-development/journey-early-childhood-education/ece-salary-information/
[31] https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/canada-to-launch-caregiver-programme-for-foreign-workers-on-march-31-2025-125012700453_1.html
[32] https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/child-care-worker/india/bangalore
[33] https://ca.indeed.com/career/childcare-provider/salaries
[34] https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/child-care-worker/india/hyderabad
[35] https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=home+child+care+provider
[36] https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=home+child+provider
[37] https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/day-care