Home-based care supports young children’s development whatever their age or stage because it provides the sense of security and attachment that babies crave, optimal cognitive and social-emotional development in 2-year olds and important kindergarten readiness mindsets and skills for 3-5 year olds. Home-based caregivers with long experience, supplemented by coursework and training in child development, often keep children for the entire stretch from 0-5. (author abstract)