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I have been searching for questions to ask parents during an interview all day and have not been successful. I was wondering what sorts of things do you ask them when they come to see your home. Thanks in advance!!
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I ask them what kinds of foods are their childs favorites, How they handle discipline and give a specific example which usually involves pushing/hitting/biting. I also ask what they liked or didn't like about their previous caregiver (if they had one) and what their expectations of me/daycare are.
ETA: I usually let the parents talk a LOT and I listen a LOT. They will reveal quite a bit if you just let them talk
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Hours of care they need?
Days Needed?
Parenting Style?
Describe a typical day...
Tell me about your child...
Anything in particular you would like me to work with?
Any food/diet allergies or restrictions?
Nap schedule?
Why are you seeking care currently?
Why are you switching daycares?
What was your previous care situation?
What are your expectations?
Do you have any questions for me?
Get them talking about their child. A lot. Then listen for red flags. Toddlers seeking immediate care could have been previously "termed." Attachment parents of childern under 12 months could mean you will have a screamer. No nap schedules are a red flag. Children only previously with mom or dad, or grandma and grandpa could be trouble.Comment
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good thread about questions and ideas in this thread https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43801Comment
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The biggest issues that I have had at daycare involve non-napping kids and criers so I always ask questions about the kids routines and behavior so I can feel out if these will be an issue with new kids.
I also look for red flags with how the parents receive my overview of the contract. Questions are okay but negotiations and rude remarks about my policies are not okay. If they have a problem paying in advance or will not agree to a specific schedules, they arent coming here.Comment
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i would ask about eating habits.... I find that young children have a lot of eating issues. Or at least the kids that I have had in my care
I would ask the parents what kind of foods their child eats at home.
do they sit for the meals as a family
how do they eat if not? LIke in front of a TV???
I would ask if the child could feed themselvesComment
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Cheerfuldom, Daycare and SunshineMama said it best!!
They all hit on daily issues we see on the board!!Comment
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oh one last thing I would ask is how often the child gets sick and when they do what is their plan of action. LIke who will stay home with them? Also who will provide care for them in the event you need to close for a vacation or family emergency??Comment
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i make it as simple as i can, any allergies? Behavior with other children? Nap times? Pretty much that"God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.'"
Acts 13:22Comment
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Thanks a lot! You all have been very helpful!Comment
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I have discovered that questions need to be worded carefully or parents can get the wrong impression.
For example...I do want to know if the child was in day care previously and why they left. But I don't ask what they liked or disliked about the previous provider because that can give the impression to the parent that I may be willing to "customize" their child's care depending on those likes and dislikes..
I use words and phrases like "our policy is" and "regulations state" to make it clear to parents that things are not open to debate when it comes to payment, sick policy etc.
And everything is said with a smile
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this is great point meek... Be sure to not over promise and under deliver. Like you said, you need to be careful how you word things, as not to sound as though you will give them the world or special....I have discovered that questions need to be worded carefully or parents can get the wrong impression.
For example...I do want to know if the child was in day care previously and why they left. But I don't ask what they liked or disliked about the previous provider because that can give the impression to the parent that I may be willing to "customize" their child's care depending on those likes and dislikes..
I use words and phrases like "our policy is" and "regulations state" to make it clear to parents that things are not open to debate when it comes to payment, sick policy etc.
And everything is said with a smile
another word of advice, if you won't do it for all families DONT do it for one family. NO SPECIAL..
No special hours
rates
food, that is unless there are necessary reasons for it..
and etc...Comment
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Questions to ask parents
In case of an emergency, can you write down the name and number of their doctor and where I can reach you?
DO THE KIDS NEED TO TAKE ANY MEDICATION? If so How often, how is it administered?
Are there any activity or food restrictions?
DO THE CHILDREN HAVE ANY ALLERGIES?
Do the children have any medical conditions I should be aware of (asthma, epilepsy, hemophilia, etc)?
WHAT TYPES OF GAMES DO THE KIDS LIKE TO PLAY?
What is your child’s favorite activity?
WHAT IS YOUR BEDTIME ROUTINE LIKE
Does your child have any special needs based on religious or health issues?
9. Can your children participate in occasional babysitting activities and special events?
When I take the kids To do kids activities is it ok if I took some pictures of your children to share with you ?
What rules do you have that I should know about?
May I have the names of references? (If possible, name of a former caregiver. Be sure all contract obligations (final payments) were met.)
What is the normal bedtime routine?
Where will you be?Comment
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Lots of open ended questions.
I like to ask what they are looking for in a provider and what questions they have for me which generally leads into policies etc. If I know what they are looking for and it doesn't fit my style, there is no point to continue nor they try to tell me what they think I want to hear.Comment
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