What Do I Ask in a Daycare Interview?

I think everyone has given you a lot of good advice. The only thing I would add is to visit other facilities as well. This will give you an idea as to what is the "norm" among in home childcare providers. The childcare network also has a lot of good advice about what to look for and questions to ask. Their website is http://www.childcarenetwork.org/ Good Luck

1. Make sure you know who is going to be there when your child is. Sometimes when my children were at a previous daycare, they would be left with spouse/niece/sister when provider had to run an arrand. Sometimes I was told before hand, sometimes not

2. Find out if they have a schedule they will follow...certain times for meals, snacks, naps

3. What will they be doing while under care? Playing with toys, learning preschool things, watching tv? You should want your child entertained while they are there. The number 1 responsiblity of the caregiver should be focusing on your child helping them learn right from wrong and teaching things to them, not placing in front of tv for the whole time

4. Where will children be? Sleeping arrangements? I had a daycare provider that put my 2 month old daughter in the swing to fall asleep with a blanket covering her head to keep out the sun & let her sleep in the swing the whole time. Another provider who had 3 toddlers napping in a twin bed together.

Much like the other parents, I agree about asking cost, food(what they provide & you provide), diapers/wipes, toliet training, bottles and the usual things. No matter what the questions you ask, before you choose, make sure everything feels right in your gut! Remember your children will be spending a lot of time with this person, make sure they are the type of role models you want your children to have. There are some wonderful home day cares out there! Good luck finding the one that makes you feel the most comfertable with!!

I used to run a child day care center and believe me the questions you ask are important to your peace of mind as to who cares for your children. The person and their habits and lifestyle will greatly influence your children,
1 Ask about rates. how much is the hourly rate, do they charge if you go over your scheduled time. If your child is sick do you still have to pay for their place in the daycare that day. What is thier policy on vaction time. Some centers charge you if you go in vacation and dont need child care for a certain amount of time.
2 ask about food programs. Are they a part of a state nutritional program. What will the feeding schedule be and what kind of food will be served. Do you need to provide food or is that included in the daily charge.
3 ask about social activities. Will there be outside play time or Constructive indoor play.
4 Observe the facility. Is it clean. Check for things you might consider a safety issue. Examine the kitchen facilties. Examine the play areas inside and out.
5. Is this person state certified and dont be afraid to ask to see credentials.
6 Ask about nap times. do the have appropriate areas for napping.
7 Ask for references. She should be more than willing to offer those if she is a reputable in home care provider

I hope this gives you some ideas as to what to ask. Dont be afraid to assert yourself with any of these questions.
Just remember this person is caring for your children and you want them to be as safe as possible. Good luck with your meeting
S.

I would try to visit when she has other kids there to see how she interacts with them. Bring your children with you as well to see how they respond to her. When I found my babysitter who is unfortunately not doing it next year I knew immediately that she was perfect for my daughter just by the way she interacted with her. The babysitter is a really happy, pleasant person who loves kids. I came across other situations where you could just tell the person was doing a job and it didn't matter to me what questions I asked them I wasn't going to take my daughter there. So I hope that helps.

Ask if she has done any CPR classes and what she would do in your child had an emergency. What is her process. Are you allowed to call during the day and check in on your child. My sons are in an in home daycare and my youngest loves his sitter. That is how I know he is happy there......good luck

Hi C.,

I have not used child care for my kids but I did work at an in home daycare years ago. Here are a few things that I'd want to know and were asked of us by parents.

You're girls are young so definately ask about nap schedules and if she'll help with potty training when the time comes. How often does she change diapers? The home I worked in did it every hour and a half(at the time it was some sort of regulation, it was about 13 years ago).

Do you have to pack food or does she provide it? If she provides the food what will she be feeding the kids and how often. If there are any food you just don't want your kids eating talk to her about that. What does she offer as drink?

If your kids have allergies to food or other things make sure she knows. Also you should know if other kids that will be there have allergies so you don't send anything that could cause a reaction.

I would say check out the entire home. Your kids are going to spend alot of time there and you have the to make sure it's a safe place. If she doesn't want you looking around that should be a red flag.

Most daycares have a schedule they try to follow, ask about that.

Ask for references and call them.

I think most of all remember you are interviewing her not the other way around. Good Luck!
Rachelle

Check the state of michigan website and see if she is licensed (she may not have to be). My children go to Kindercare-- if you look on their website (kindercare.com) they have a great checklist.

You really have to trust your gut...esp. with an in home placement where there is no institutional supervision. My fear is you don't know who is coming and going from the house all day.

I would also get references and follow up with all of them.

Whatever you decide, just remember you can pull your child out of the daycare at any time, for any reason. We had our son in a home daycare and he didn't seem to be adjusting as we had expected. After a few weeks he told us as soon as he woke up from his nap every day he cried and waited by the door for us to pick him up. He was still doing this every day after almost two months and the provider didn't find it important enough to mention it to us. We now have him in a different home daycare where he is thriving.

Just to add and correct one thing here all day care in the state of michigan are required to be licensed....
www.michigan.giv/dhs
I run a licensed day care and would welcome any question from a prospective parent....
also check the state registry website for sex offenders in her area as well.
Ask for past clients names and numbers and then call them....do not accept anything less than wonderful reviews.
Is she CPR infant child certified? First Aid, does she has any education for early childhood? Can you come and visit anytime and who helps her there as well?
The child care council as well as the state offers a check list of interview questions for parents
Good luck
E.
nursery times day care