Interview

Check References
Make the Decision
Stay Involved

1. Interview Caregivers

Call First

Ask....

Is there an opening for my child?

What hours and days are you open and where are you located?

How much does care cost? Is financial assistance available?

How many children are in your care?

What age groups do you serve?

Do you provide transportation?

Do you provide meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)?

Do you have a license, accreditation, or other certification?

When can I come to visit?

Visit Next (Visit more than once, stay as long as you can!)

Look for....

Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions between caregiver and children.

Children who are happily involved in daily activities and comfortable with their caregiver.

A clean, safe, and healthy indoor and outdoor environment, especially napping, eating and toileting areas.

A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books, puzzles, blocks, and climbing equipment, that your child will find interesting and which will contribute to their growth and development.

Children getting individual attention.

Ask....

Can I visit at any time?

How do you handle discipline?

What do you do if a child is sick?

What would you do in case of an emergency?

What training have you (and other staff/substitutes) had?

Are all children and staff required to be immunized?

May I see a copy of your license or other certification?

Do you have a substitute or back-up caregiver?

May I have a list of parents (current and former) who have used your care?

Where do children nap? Do you know that babies should go to sleep on their backs?

2. Check References

Ask other parents....

Was the caregiver reliable on a daily basis?

How did the caregiver discipline your child?

Did your child enjoy the child care experience?

How did the caregiver respond to you as a parent?

Was the caregiver respectful of your values and culture?

Would you recommend the caregiver without reservation?

If your child is no longer with the caregiver, why did you leave?

Ask the local child care resource and referral program or licensing office....

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