In Spain, there is no state regulation on the provision of early childhood education and care (ECEC) at home. However, at the regional level, the Community of Madrid and the Chartered Community of Navarre do have rules governing this type of ECEC provision. Although it is not the main form of ECEC for any age group, the provision of home-based ECEC is increasing in these two autonomous communities.

Objectives and accessibility

Community of Madrid

The official regulation regarding `day mothers and fathers´, for children under 3 years old, is included within the regulatory framework for the family and social coexistence service. This framework is made up of various normative provisions approved by the former Department of Social Integration, now within the responsibility of the Department of Social Policies, Family Issues, Equality and Natality (Order 612/1990 and Order 613/1990).

The fundamental characteristics of home-based ECEC are as follows:

• It provides more choice for families.
• Personalised attention is provided at the home of the caregiver, who performs basic care in a family and home environment.
• It facilitates the balance between family life and work life:
  • Flexible hours adapted to the needs of parents, both in the morning and in the afternoon.
  • Year-round coverage, except for vacation periods agreed with the family.
  • Maximum of 8 hours of daily provision.
• There are private contracts between caregivers and families.
• The state and regional education guidelines for school-based ECEC do not apply to home-based provision.

Chartered Community of Navarre

The Chartered Order 27/2006, of the Regional Minister of Social Welfare, Sports and Youth, classifies the means for balance between work life and family life for care services for children under 3 years of age in the homes of caregivers.

The fundamental characteristics of this home-based ECEC provision are as follows.

• The service is managed and coordinated by non-profit organizations, and provided through associations such as Asociación Casas Amigas, Manos Amigas and Cuidándote.
• The applications for this service are collected and delivered to the association that manages the service. Applications are open all year round.
• The cost of the service is regulated by each association, with whom each family signs a contract.
• It is a means of helping working parents to achieve work-life balance, offering flexible hours to families and personalised attention to children under 3 years of age, in small groups and at the home of the caregiver.
• Services are offered throughout the year.
• Each association has an educational plan that specifies the aims and objectives, methodology, schedules, human and technical resources, and evaluation models. In addition, it guides the daily work for the full development of children, taking into account their developmental stage and their affective world.
• The services provided are:
  • Early education activities:
    • Workshops and games according to the child's needs, and based on the educational plan.
    • Accompanying children in their free play.
    • Evaluation of the processes and progress of the child.
    • Observance of the child's diary.
    • Informing the families, including evaluation.
  • Food and hygiene:
    • Personal hygiene and feeding of the child.
    • Cleaning and organising the premises where the service is provided.
• The state and regional educational guidelines for school-based ECEC do not apply to home-based provision.

Requirements for childminders and child ratios

Community of Madrid

The requirements for staff who perform the role of ECEC homeschooler are as follows:

• minimum official qualifications: pre-primary education advanced technician (International Standard Classification of Education level 5),
• food handling and first aid degree.

Regarding the child–staff ratio, the maximum number of children per educator is four.

Chartered Community of Navarre

The requirements for staff who perform the role of ECEC homeschooler are as follows:

• minimum official qualifications of the educator/caregiving staff: training in caring for children under the age of 3 years, or experience in caring for minors and specific training in caring for minors offered by public or private entities with proven experience in the creation and guidance of childcare companies.

Regarding the child–staff ratio, the maximum number of children per educator is four. This can be increased to five in exceptional and justified circumstances.