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Child Care Options on Farms

Finding care for children is one of the hardest parts of farm life. This guide covers choices, questions to ask and how to keep children safe when care is on the farm.

Why is child care hard for farm families?

Rural areas may have few providers, long drives and limited hours. Farm work does not follow a nine-to-five schedule, and the busiest seasons often match the times when care is hardest to find.

The result is that children sometimes end up in the field or the barn by default. A plan made in advance prevents that.

Isolation adds stress. Families who feel they have no options may take risks. Reaching out early to neighbors can ease the pressure.

What options might be available?

Possibilities include licensed child care centers, family child care homes, relatives, neighbors, school programs, summer programs and seasonal care run by community groups. Availability depends on where you live.

Your county extension office, local school district and state child care agency can tell you what exists near you. Do not rely on a single option, and think about a backup.

Farm families sometimes form care cooperatives, taking turns watching each other's children. If you do this, share safety rules and emergency information among all the families.

• Licensed centers and family child care homes
• Relatives and trusted neighbors
• School and community programs
• Seasonal and summer programs

What should you ask a provider?

Ask about licensing, training in first aid, how many children each adult supervises, and how they handle emergencies. Ask about their policies for visitors, outdoor play and transportation. Visit in person and look at the space.

State rules differ, so check with your state's child care licensing agency about what is required and how to verify a provider.

Ask about illness policies, since a child who cannot attend because of a mild illness may land back on the farm. Plan for sick days. Ask for references from other parents and talk to them directly. A provider who welcomes questions and visits is usually a good sign.

What if care happens on your farm?

If a relative or helper cares for children at the farm, give them the same orientation you would give a sitter. Show the boundaries and the fenced play area, and make clear that machines, animals and storage buildings are off limits.

A caregiver who is also doing farm chores cannot properly watch children. Separate the roles, even if it means paying for help for a few weeks.

Tell caregivers about any child's allergies, medications or medical needs in writing. Keep a copy by the phone. Walk the caregiver through your emergency plan, including where to go if there is a fire or severe weather. The National Weather Service publishes general guidance on severe weather preparedness.

How can you reduce hazards for any caregiver?

Look at the farm from the caregiver's viewpoint. Lock chemicals and tools, remove keys, fence water, and keep a clear line of sight from the house to the play area.

Give the caregiver a way to reach you quickly, and write down emergency contacts. Tell them that calling 911 comes first in a serious emergency.

Teach older siblings that they are not a substitute for an adult. Leaving a child in charge of younger children near hazards is a risk.

• Fenced and visible play area
• Chemicals and tools locked up
• Keys removed from machines
• Written contacts and address

What about cost and funding?

Cost is a real barrier. Programs, subsidies and tax credits may exist, but details change and vary by state. Ask your state child care agency and your tax professional rather than relying on what a neighbor says.

Some farm and community organizations also offer help. Your extension office may know of local resources.

Keep receipts and records, which may help at tax time. A tax professional can advise on what applies to you. Employers who hire farm workers with children should be aware that workers face the same care problems. Informal arrangements in worker housing deserve the same safety attention as any other.

How do you check that care is working?

Ask your children how they feel about their caregiver and what they do during the day. Drop in unannounced now and then, and watch for signs of stress or injury.

Review the arrangement every season, and make changes when the farm changes. A good plan evolves with your family.

Talk with your children about any change in arrangements, so they know what to expect and who to go to if something goes wrong.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.