What questions should I ask when interviewing a child care provider for my daughter?
We are looking for a child care provider for our 1 year old daughter. I am going to interview some potentionals and need help with what questions to ask them. What should I be looking for?
Public Comments
- if they have ne experiance with that age group, give her scenarios of what cud happen and c how they answer and wud handle them, if they hav clear criminal record, what she wud do 2 entertain/teach her, first aid trained, driving license (if they will b takin her out)
good luck
- 1. Do you know first aid?
2. Do you have CPR certification?
3. What is SIDS?
but the most important question, something that cannot be asked in words but you must decide, is whether the person cares enough about your child (or any child in general). Any amount of training or experience can never beat that.
- Are they licensed by the state?
Have they ever been?
Will they submit to a criminal back ground check?
Where do they change, feed, have the baby take a nap?
Do they play outside?
What does he/she do with the children if they are by themselves and need to use the bathroom?
Is the house clean?
Does it have pets, dogs?
Any reputable references from well known clients? (doctors, managers, etc.)
Items listed in answers above.
- Experience
Education
Philosophy
Number of children in care and their ages
Emergency plan
Is there a curriculum
First aid and CPR trained
Vacation days
Discipline
What you need to bring
Are meals provided
Outdoor activity time
If its an at home care center, what happens when the provider is sick?
What are the illness policies for children?
While your there take a look around... is it safe? Are outlets covered? Are there materials appropriate for your childs age? Does the area where your child will spend most of her time have more then one exit? Where will she nap?
Let me know if you need anything else. I have been in Early Childhood education for over 13 years.
- Ask what her child to adult ratio is (no more than 6 kids under 12 yrs per adult), how many kids she has under age 2 (no more than 2), if anyone in the house smokes, if there is any alcahold in the house and where it is kept and if it is locked, same with firearms. Check to make sure the yard is completely fenced in and that the house is childproofed. These are non-negotiables for me. I also ask what type of activies she does, if she ever leaves the house (driving, going for walks, etc - and with all the kids, of course), if she plans menus ahead of time and if I can see them, if there is a set schedule and what it is. I also check out the nap area, to make sure it is ok. Ask for references and check out her liscense status to make sure she hasn't gotten complaints.
- Qualifications and experience... dont hire someone with no experience just because its cheaper
also have you thought about nurseries? They aren't as bad as the horror stories you hear in the paper and it will give your daughter the chance to learn social skills before she even starts school. You should definately start thinking about it after she turns three or so.
- If she or any one that lives in the house has fire arms and are they locked up
also if everyone that lives in the house or daycare has their police clearances meaning no one is a convected sex offender such as husband older children or boyfriend?
- What is the adult to child ratio?
How do you store food?
What kind of snacks do you feed chidren?
Do we still have to pay if the child is sick, or do we earn vacation days?
What kind of training does staff have?
How do you cover breaks (when someone leaves room for lunch, does someone else come in)?
What kinds of activities do children do?
What is your policy about sick children, when do they get sent home?
What are your hours?
What holidays are you closed, or other days?
Is there an open-door policy?
What kind of schedule do they have for children?
Are they a play based center?
Are they a locked center?
What kinds of security options do they have?
