Daycare Interview Questions

Since interviewing an in-home daycare provider is a scary thing and a real pain in the butt, I hope maybe someone can benefit from my vast experience (not by choice necessarily) and use my compiled interview tips/questions for daycare providers:

Name of Provider/Daycare:
Address:
Phone:
Date/Time of Interview:

Hours/Flexibility:
Tuition:
Pets (if yes, what kind and where are they when the children are around)/Smoking/Fenced Yard?:
Holiday/Vacation/Sick Days Provider:
Holiday/Vacation/Sick Days Child:
Sick Child Policy:
Medications?:
How long have you been providing care?

Why do you do daycare?

What is your philosophy in raising children?


Do you have first-aid/CPR and child development training?

What is your process in the event of an emergency?

Do you have a current state license?
Do you participate in a state subsidized food program?

How many children do you care for?
What is the maximum number of children you will take?
What are the ages of the children you currently have?

Are there other individuals that may be caring for my child?

Is the home secure from strangers during the day?
Do you receive personal visitors during the day?

What is a typical day like?



Television?
Computers?
Outside?
Naps?
Field Trips? How do you transport/May I see the transportation?

How do you discipline a child?


How do you comfort a child?



Toilet Training?


What meals/supplies do you provide, what do I need to provide?


Communication with Parents?

Are parents encouraged to visit?



Tell me about yourself, hobbies, likes/dislikes?





The interviewees To Do List:
Obtain a Copy of Contract?
Obtain and CALL References (at least one from a child that has left)?
Call the County to validate the provider's license and ask if they have had any complaints or negative action taken against them.
Take your child with you to the interview. Observe how they interact with the provider. ASK your child (if they're old enough) if they liked so and so and if they'd like to visit again.
OBSERVE while you're there:
Cleanliness
Safety of environment
Child friendliness/stimulation of environment (are toys accessible, are there learning posters around..what is the central focus of the room? If it's the TV beware!)