Question: What Should I Ask Potential In-Home Child Care Providers?
A reader asked the following question, which in turn was answered by a family care provider named Jamie. The parent Sophia asked: "I was just wondering what are some main questions and concerns I should be asking the people I am interviewing for in home daycare with my son."
Answer: Be sure and ask for references, ask about CPR, SIDS and first aid training. Talk to them about the ages and behaviors of the other kids in the daycare. If they say “Well, Johnny is just a nut,” then ask exactly what that means (Johnny may like to push and scratch other kids). Make sure and ask about discipline and how problems are handled and get it in writing!! Good in-home daycares will have documentation for themselves and their customers on policies and payments.
Tell them about some “special requests” you have for your son and gauge their response. Flexibility and more intimate care is what you’re looking for with an in-home daycare, otherwise you could just go to one of the chain daycares!!
Have an extended conversation with the daycare provider; don’t just stop by. Take a tour of the whole house and look for childproofing materials and cleanliness. Ask them why they have their own daycare in their home. If they say “Just so I can stay home with my kid,” then you’ll know that your child isn’t the priority but just a means of income so the provider doesn’t have to get a job outside of the home.
Trust your gut feeling. You’ll know when you’ve made a connection with someone and realize it when they have some of the same child rearing philosophies as you do. If you have lingering doubts, move on. Don’t just go for what’s cheapest, but look for someone who is experienced and dedicated to being vigilant and successful. Take a trusted friend or relative with you to help you make a decision if possible.
Just like any other business, if the daycare has been established for an extended period of time, it’s a pretty good indicator that they have made some people happy and that they get referrals from their current parents. Take your time and find the right fit, nothing is more important!!
Tell them about some “special requests” you have for your son and gauge their response. Flexibility and more intimate care is what you’re looking for with an in-home daycare, otherwise you could just go to one of the chain daycares!!
Have an extended conversation with the daycare provider; don’t just stop by. Take a tour of the whole house and look for childproofing materials and cleanliness. Ask them why they have their own daycare in their home. If they say “Just so I can stay home with my kid,” then you’ll know that your child isn’t the priority but just a means of income so the provider doesn’t have to get a job outside of the home.
Trust your gut feeling. You’ll know when you’ve made a connection with someone and realize it when they have some of the same child rearing philosophies as you do. If you have lingering doubts, move on. Don’t just go for what’s cheapest, but look for someone who is experienced and dedicated to being vigilant and successful. Take a trusted friend or relative with you to help you make a decision if possible.
Just like any other business, if the daycare has been established for an extended period of time, it’s a pretty good indicator that they have made some people happy and that they get referrals from their current parents. Take your time and find the right fit, nothing is more important!!