La Aragonese Association of Mothers of the Day has recently posted on his Facebook page, an entry that I would like to share with you, before I start to tell you more about the Mothers of the Day; a wonderful resource that facilitates work and family reconciliation, while providing a close, pleasant and educational environment for babies from 0 to 3 years old.
“The Mothers of the Day, we are a group of women, professionals and most also mothers, with the same goal and vision about parenting…; we are qualified and / or experienced people who work from their own homes ... "
But what do we know about this? early childhood care model is it a regulated profession in other countries?
It is a professional figure that makes its way in Spain, in response to the needs of families with very young children who do not want their children to go to school so early. Therefore, it is positioned as a valid alternative to Nursery Schools (infant education from 0 to 3 years old) or nurseries; And no, we are not talking about babysitters or babysitters. And I say the latter, because day mothers not only attend and take care of the babies in their care, They also develop an educational program adapted to the evolution of each child..
In addition to possessing the necessary qualifications for their roles, they legally perform their work as self-employed individuals or as employees of the entity (association) that represents them. This professionalization implies specific traininginsurance, registration with Social Security and, in many communities, undergoing inspections and administrative requirements similar to those of a nursery school.
Day Mothers: accompanying growth
As I have pointed out, these women (there are also men, I mention them below) are qualified. Although there is no state framework that regulates the requirements to practice the profession, Day mothers are grouped into associations from which training recommendations are made and the conditions are established to perform the job safely and with quality.
They usually have a degree in psychology, teaching or pedagogy; and also highlights the adoption of educational references based on respectful pedagogies for babies (such as Montessori(Pestalozzi, Waldorf, or Pikler). That is to say, in addition to having formal training in subjects that qualify them for the job, they also study these pedagogical approaches I'm referring to. In many cases, they complete their profile with children's first aid courses, food handler, respectful accompaniment, emotional education or specific training as a day mother/father.
I have already mentioned that there is no unified state regulation, and although this is true, it is worth highlighting the case of Navarre and the Basque Country, which have had a regional order regulating these services for years. For example, the maximum number of children per educator (4), the degree and the safety regulations at home are collectedThis list also includes communities such as Madrid, Galicia, and Catalonia (with the children's llars), where the figure is contemplated in their regional regulations and, in some cases, is even financed with public funds.
In other territories (Asturias, Valencian Community, Andalusia, Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, Murcia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, among others) Negotiations for clear regulation have been progressingMeanwhile, professional associations are setting their own standards to prevent intrusion and ensure that families know they are leaving their children with a truly qualified person.
Caring for, feeding, sleeping, comforting, facilitating discovery and play, changing and washing children, maintaining open communication with parents
Functions of home-based childminders that are geared towards:
- Ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of babies.
- Adapt the spaces according to the needs of girls and boys.
- Offer a comprehensive care and support according to each child's pace.
- Facilitate the development of motor, cognitive and social skills.
- Create a bond secure attachment that complements that of the family.
- To consciously observe the child's development and adjust the accompaniment without forcing its development.
Associations such as Network of Day Mothers and Waldorf Day Mothers Association have established additional requirements: internships in veteran day-mothers' homes, supervision of educational projects, continuous training updates and ethical codes that focus on absolute respect for children.
A family-friendly and respectful environment for children who do not yet need socialization
Because who has said that between 0 and 3 years a girl or a boy needs their peers to develop or learn? And it is precisely what is done from the first cycle of Early Childhood Education (whether we talk about the public network or private resources): educate based on official programs and introduce babies to crowded environments which may not be suitable for their development. In many centers, the 1-2 year old groups can have very high ratios per educator, which hinders truly individualized attention.
In a home run by a day mother, however, the pace is different. The atmosphere is warm, homey and sereneThis environment is closer to the child's everyday life at home. There's no rush to finish one activity because "it's time for another," and no rigid schedules beyond a healthy daily structure. Free play, daily care, and constant contact with the primary caregiver are the focus of the day, and the child sets the pace according to their developmental stage.
But this post is not to question nursery schools or nurseries, since I know that there are professionals who educate from respect for basic needs, and non-directed learning models. What is intended is to show mothers during the day, as an alternative that is recognized and accepted by French, British, or German families, among other references, where this professional figure is widely established and even supported with subsidies.
In countries like Germany (the tagesmütter), France (the childminders) or United Kingdom (the childminders), home educators are an essential part of the early childhood care system. They receive specific training and are licensed. And, in most cases, they work in coordination with local social and educational services. This European experience demonstrates that this model works and can coexist with preschools and other resources without replacing them.
A day mother becomes an attachment figure and why not? will exercise motherhood, although the main ones will always be the mother and father
This secondary attachment figure is precisely one of the model's greatest strengths. The baby or toddler finds support in the daycare mother. Constant presence, attentive gaze, and available arms, something especially valuable in these early years in which emotional security is the basis of all subsequent learning.
Learn and develop in a welcoming and SAFE environment
In the first place, it is worth mentioning that day mothers work with a maximum of 4 boys and girls from 0 to 3 years old; and for 8 hours a day at most
The ratio is one of the major differences compared to a daycare or preschool. The maximum number of children allowed in a home-based childminder's home is usually... three or four little onesdepending on their age. With such a small number, the educator can:
- Respect the sleep, eating, and play rhythms of each child.
- Accompanying moments of family separation with more time and calm.
- Observe in depth the changes in development and adjust the proposals of play and exploration.
- Offering a stable presence without staff turnover, something key to attachment.
The following recommendations comply with the regulations in those countries where this professional role is recognized and fully accepted, as well as with the Spanish regional and local decrees that already regulate the activity. The worker's home It must be a safe place and be equipped with several differentiated spaces: rest, toilet / hygiene and games / foodThere are suitable dimensions for both the resting area and the area intended for different activities, and proper ventilation, lighting, and thermal comfort are required.
Other characteristics that the service has:
- Accident and liability insurance that cover any incident both inside the home and when going out.
- Bathroom adaptation with elements at children's height, safe changing table and appropriate hygienic materials.
- Good lighting, preferably natural; ventilation and heating systems that guarantee comfort without risks.
- Organization of spaces and furniture, designed for babies (materials, dimensions) with special care in avoid dangerous corners, unstable or toxic furniture.
- Installation of elements to prevent accidents, such as socket protectors, railings, anti-slip mats or door and drawer locks.
- Fire extinguisher, first aid kit and risk prevention plan adapted to the domestic environment and the presence of minors.
- Suitable place to prepare homemade and healthy food, with the required hygienic conditions.
In cases, the home-based mothers follow a own educational project This document details how they organize the day's schedule, the types of games and materials they offer, how they address conflicts among peers, and the importance of rest, meals, and outdoor activities. It serves as a guide for their daily work and also as a resource for families.
Other recommendations to offer a guarantee to users is that the home has a certificate of occupancy and that family members living with the mother during the day consent to the service. Learning can also take place outside the house (a park, for example) If the babies' parents authorize it. In fact, daily outdoor activities, whatever the weather, are a constant in many projects: putting on a rain suit and boots, splashing in puddles, collecting leaves, or simply feeling the wind on their faces become invaluable sensory and motor learning experiences.
Advantages of Mothers of the Day
These professionals see their work questioned and receive criticism from some sectors. Interestingly, teachers are among those who question the work of childminders, as part of their demand that the government provide enough public childminders for this age group. Conversely, I believe there should be variety to choose fromand that an educator working privately offers no less guarantees than a municipal public nursery school, provided they meet the requirements of training, safety and quality.
In addition, the ratio is lower in this service we are talking about, and that guarantees personalized attention
The fact that babies are educated and cared for in a home is also a plus; as is the use of a pedagogical orientation that is truly respectful of the individual needs of each childIn most childminders' homes, free play is practiced without rigid schedules, using natural and unstructured materials (wood, fabrics, natural elements), and with careful observation to avoid overstimulation. The educator does not constantly direct the play, but rather... Set the mood and be there without being intrusive, letting the child explore at their own pace.
Another important advantage is the adaptation or bonding periodIn many preschools, the start date is set in just a few days and with limited family presence, whereas with a day mother, it is common to talk about a "bonding period": several weeks in which the mother or father stays with the child at the home, gradually reducing their presence and building the necessary bond of trust so that the child feels comfortable with the new reference figure.
Also flexible schedule This often makes all the difference. Although efforts are made to maintain stable routines (especially during rest and meal times), many home-based childminders offer flexibility to arrive later, leave earlier, or adjust certain days to accommodate each family's work schedule—something less common in larger centers where the organization depends on entire groups. The typical schedule covers between 7 and 8 hours a day, with the understanding that the child can spend a significant part of the day at home.
As to priceThe average cost of a home-based childminder (including meals) is usually similar to that of a private, unsubsidized nursery, depending on the region and the hours contracted. In some regions, such as Galicia and Navarre, certain home-based childminder initiatives receive public funding, making them an even more economical option for families than a traditional nursery school. The major drawback in many regions is that, since they are not always treated the same as nursery schools, They are not eligible for childcare vouchers nor equivalent aid.
I take this opportunity to share too this public request for the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality to regulate and subsidize day mothers and fathersBecause yes, there are also day-care providers, since parenting is not just for womenIn some projects, couples or mixed teams take on caregiving responsibilities, broadening reference points and normalizing present and co-responsible parenthood.
Another highly valued aspect is the daily communication with familiesUnlike some centers where information is limited to incident reports or occasional meetings, in a home-based childminder's home it's common for parents to stay and chat for a while at pick-up time to find out how the day went, what their child discovered, and how they slept or ate. This mutual trust creates an educational partnership that directly benefits the child.
With the birth of children, and especially with the end of maternity leave period, families make different decisions that allow them to reconcile, but at the same time babies must be cared for. There are who stops and is dedicated to raising, those who request a leave of absence, those who look for a nursery for months (even before the birth) that meets their needs…; and there is also the possibility of hire a home-based childminderThe different associations in Spain have blogs and Facebook pages (from where they are easy to find), and even platforms like Ludus collect projects of day mothers and nest homes in different territories.
From here my respect and admiration for day mothers: I know you do a very nice job, although it's also not very visible.I know that practicing this profession without regulation is complicated, which is why I admire your efforts and organizational skills. Our country lags behind in work-life balance, and we can't exactly be considered a model for anyone in terms of childcare; this—obviously—influences the negative perception some people have of home-based childminders, because what's new to us scares us. However, more and more families are discovering this alternative and appreciating its impact on their children's well-being.
Images generously provided by Day mothers belonging to the Aragonese Association. I have to thank you for your collaboration so that this post has been possible.
As people in Spain become better aware of what a "madre de día" (day mother) is and what requirements they meet, it will be easier for families to make informed decisions between daycare, a home caregiver, or a "madre/padre de día," knowing that they have a support system. a professional, respectful option deeply focused on the real needs of early childhood.