Interview Questions for Childcare

Hi J.~
I did daycare in my home as well as sent my son to home daycare in the past. Here are some of my key questions I have asked & been asked:
-CPR/First aid certified
-Education & References
-Why you do daycare (ie. to stay home with own kids or for the PASSION of caring for kids--big difference to me!!)
-Are they looking for long term, or is it something that can unexpectedly end
-What happens in the case that the provider is sick? For example back up provider?? If you keep you child home "for her" are you still expected to pay?
-If coming to your house--how reliable are they and/or their transportation...Remember they have to be avail for YOUR schedule
-Do they have experience in working with milestones--walking, potty training, etc
I'm sure you'll think of many other questions in addition to my response as well as the other wonderful responses. Remember....it is your child & you need to make absolutely certain of your decision.
Good luck!!
J.

I am a provider, and some of the questions I have been asked were along the lines of:

What would happen if you were to get sick or take a vacation? Do you have any backup?
Do you take the kids on field trips?
Can you lay out your average day?
(If this applies) Do you have a set menu throughout the week?
How would you handle ________ situation? (come up with something about not sharing or fighting or something if that applies to you)
What kind of communication can I expect from you?

That's all I can think of now. Good luck!!

that was a good list from jackie, here are a couple more.
What is the policy on nap times and also if its a home daycare situation who else will be in contact with the children and if they are adults have they passed the background check as well.

You've gotten some wonderful answers about questions to ask providers. I would also recommend that you keep your eyes open for positive and negative signs in the home. For example when I was visiting home daycares one home had a rectangular glass table with no childproofing. My son actually bumped into it and split his lip while we were visiting. At another home (which came highly recommended) there was a big can of Lysol at child level. Another provider took a phone call while I was there, more importantly while children were there, and proceeded to have a 10 minute phone conversation on the deck while the kids were in the house and out of view. So keep your eyes and ears open for dangers, of course, but also styles and approaches to childcare that are a good fit for you and your child. Good luck.

don't just ask how they will care for the baby, ask how they will help potty train and teach your child as the child grows. And ask about what they will feed the child (whole grains or cheapest?) and how they discipline.

N.

make sure that they are first aid certified and have taken CPR.
also ask for references, other parents of children they have cared for and seriously call these people and find out about the person.
make sure they have a valid drivers license and insurance if they plan on trasporting your child anywhere.
find out what they would do in an emergency, especially at an in home daycare. what if one of the other children got injured and needed to go to the hospital. what would the course of action be? will the provider go in the abulance with the child and what would happen to the others?
make sure the person has a fire escape plan.

good luck in your search!
J.

If you prefer a non-smoking nanny/daycare make sure to ask. Also if your child has any dietary restrictions make sure they can be accomodated.

J., I happen to know a new in-home Montessori school. I visit there once a week to run our program and I am thoroughly impressed. If Libertyville is not out of the question let me know and I will send you the name and number. I would trust my child there except he is 9 :)