Interview a Questions for in-home day care

LKHoffa · February 2014

What questions have you all asked when trying to find someone who is a good fit for you? I don't want to miss something big (or small but important to me!) I am looking into sitters part-time that watch a few kids out of their homes during the day. Any help is much appreciated!

ahastin1 · February 2014

I haven't looked for this personally, but I imagine that I would ask about what activities and plans they might have for the children at different ages (want to make sure they're keeping them entertained and challenged too!). If also ask about who provides meals. How many children they typically have at one time, ages. Possible vacation or break times they might typically have and their policy for letting you know ahead of time if they will not be able to care for your child for any amount of time and for any reason. Just a few off the top of my head...

Savvy122 · February 2014

In addition to PP's suggestions above:

- Sick day policy
- What they supply vs. what you supply (toys, gear, etc.)
- First Aid or CPR training

curlylocks3 · February 2014

I would ask about

- pickup and drop off times and what the penalty/late fee is for a late pickup

- ratio of caregivers to children and the age ranges of the children (you should be able to find online what the requirement is in your area)

- what stuff you supply/vs is there anything they supply (I know in a few of the places I looked at glass bottles were a no-go, also some places would have brand X formula but if you wanted something different you supply it, also some places aren't on board with cloth diapering so if you want to go that route I'd discuss with them; once kids are older, how are snacks handled)
- I'd specifically ask about sleeping arrangements for nap time

- times they are closed (holidays, prescheduled vacations) and how much advance notice you get

I'm sure there are lots of other things but thats all that comes to mind for now for me.

Mrs_D_in_KY · February 2014

Is the daycare certified with the state so you can claim the daycare money on your taxes?
What is their daily schedule? I know our daycare has set meal/snack times and nap time.
Does the daycare have set "open for business hours?"
Does the daycare offer age appropriate activities and/or learning time?
What is the sick policy?
Since it's part time is there a price per day or is it a flat weekly rate?
What are the paid holidays? (If any)
Is the sitter CPR and first aid certified?
Does the daycare person have plenty of references that you can speak with?
Does she have a back up if an unforeseen circumstance arises? (Her child is sick, doctors appointments,etc)
If you do go full time, would there be availability for your child?
Will you get a daily report of how many diaper changes, bottles fed, food given, etc?
What do you need to provide - clothes, diapers, wipes, food, bottles, formula, etc?
What forms do you need to fill out in case of an emergency?
Does she have in date and proper car seats to transport the children?
Do you need to provide immunization records?
What is the maximum number of children the sitter would have? In KY they are allowed a max of 6, and that's including their own children.
If it's in home, what pets are in the house? Are the pets all properly vaccinated?
Who else lives or frequents the home while the children are there?
What is the drop in policy? Can you drop in whenever?
What is the penalty for a late pick up? I know our daycare charges $1 per minute.

LKHoffa · February 2014

Thanks for your responses, ladies!! You definitely covered a few things that I think I would have forgotten to bring up! If you think of anything else, let me know!!

MamaTree17 · February 2014

You should be able to ask for a copy of their standard contact to review. That should cover most of the information! And honestly the thing that made us select ours was just the feeling and how we saw the kids interacting. If you can go during the day in lieu of off hours or during pick up or drop off when things are hectic I'd recommend it!

hollygb22 · February 2014

I looked into both home and center dayscares. We ended up going with a center...but I would definitely ask about curriculum, activities, naps etc...those are things that are very structured at the center we go to. Also, food- do you need to provide it?

Also, what happens if the provider is sick, on vacation? Do you pay for those days regardless? If LO is sick do you pay, if you are going away for a week on vacation do you still pay?

Also, are all the kids vaccinated? What are the parameters for illness to disqualify a kiddo from going to daycare? Just some things that come to mind!

bebemac · February 2014

Here are some good lists of questions to ask!

https://www.pdx.edu/students-with-children/sites/www.pdx.edu.students-with-children/files/Questions to Ask a Home Provider.pdf

https://www.extension.umn.edu/family/partnering-for-school-success/child-care-resources/questions-to-ask/

https://www.ccrcinc.org/pdf/ChoosingProviderChecklist.pdf

https://www.easternflorida.edu/community-resources/child-development-centers/parent-resource-library/documents/childcare-questions-parents-should-ask.pdf

Want a personalized experience?

Interview a Questions for in-home day care

Re: Interview a Questions for in-home day care

Choose Another Board

Search Boards