Abstract
As compared to those working in more formal settings, in-home caregivers are often not part of a caregiving community. In-home providers therefore have fewer opportunities for professional development and fewer opportunities to form relationships and receive professional support. They report having the lowest forms of formal education and the less experience in comparison to center caregivers and child-care home providers (NICHD, 2000). Support groups are a way to connect caregivers and to offer professional development. In-home caregivers report a feeling of isolation, and support groups can help to alleviate that isolation while also helping them find friendships, share and learn (Hawkins & Bland, 2002; Kelley, Yorker, Whitley, & Sipe, 2001; Mills, Schmied, Taylor, Dahlen, Shuiringa, & Hudson, 2012). The purpose of this project was to develop a research-based support group curriculum to meet both educational and support needs for in-home care providers. Based on the project evaluation, the curriculum was effective in disseminating professional information and offering support. Developing a curriculum that is meant for this specific population is an important step in educating, connecting and raising care quality. The next step is to continue to find ways to educate and research this in-home caregiving population working with young children.