Intended for those already providing home child care or those considering becoming a caregiver in Canada, this book provides practical ideas and advice covering the many areas involved in home child care, from organization of the home to resources available to the provider. Chapter 1 describes how home child care can be provided, how to adapt to providing care, what the prospective provider can expect, and how to decide to offer child care. Chapters 2 and 3 tell how to organize a home for child care, obtain equipment and toys, provide storage, and make the home safe for children. Chapter 4 outlines regulations of Canadian provinces regarding home child care and how to work with appropriate offices and agencies. Chapter 5 discusses business aspects, including hours, rates and income, insurance, policies, and advertising, while chapter 6 suggests how to obtain clients. Chapter 7 advises on record keeping and filing taxes. Chapter 8 discusses dealing with the child's first and last days of care. Chapters 9 through 12 present general principles on child development and care for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Chapters 13 through 15 provide suggestions for daily activities, health care, and meals. Chapter 16 describes establishing and maintaining good relationships and communication with parents, and setting respective responsibilities. Chapter 17 tells how to be aware of, and report, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect in children; how to care for an abused child; and how to protect oneself from accusations of abuse. Chapter 18 discusses the kinds and whereabouts of community organizations, programs, and services that assist caregivers. Chapter 19 describes managing the time of, and caring for the health of, the caregiver, developing a support network, and being an advocate for child care. The book concludes with a section of sample letters, agreements, and forms; provincial and territorial contacts; and publications, videos, and other resources. (TM)