Preparing for an Interview ...

[MsLaura529]

Hi ladies.

I'm playing the waiting game right now with getting my license, but I have started to advertise for my daycare-I just put that I would be opening in early spring. (And thank you to those of you who helped me with info on advertising). I have received an interest throught the ad - a lady who wants me to call her as soon as I get my license, she has a one year old daughter that will need part-time care. I already told her my rates and stuff, too.

Just wondering how I should go about preparing myself for the interview - and any interviews that might come up?

What are some of the common questions you hear?

What has been the most bizarre question you've gotten?

What are some questions that you commonly ask?

And also, when you interview with a family - do they come during business hours or after? Do you give them a copy of your policies/handbook at that time? What is your interaction like with the kid(s) and parents during the interview time?

[Meeko]

I have learned to take control of the interview as soon as they walk in. Ask lots of questions about them and their child. Get a feel for their parenting style and whether it would mesh with your ideas. Be a good listener too, but remember it is YOUR house and YOUR rules. I have interviewed a few over the years who honestly seem to think they are hiring a servant

I use lots of phrases like "our policies" etc.....it lets them know this is a business and things are done MY way. Waaay too many parents think they are employing a daycare provider. You are self-employed. They are NOT your boss. They can request certain things and you can decide if you want to allow that request. But they cannot demand or tell you how things are going to be.

I made the mistake of frantically trying to please the parents when I first opened up. BIG mistake. Life is SOOOO much better when you have a backbone and stick to your policies. They can buy your services or not. Some people will think you are perfect and you will have a great working relationship with them. Others wouldn't leave their child in your house if you were the last person on earth...and that's OK. Not everybody clicks.

The parents who insist you open up early because they have a meeting, wouldn't dream of asking the local grocery store to do the same just because it's convenient for them. The parents who demand certain foods, wouldn't march into a restaurant and demand food not on the menu. Ask maybe, but not demand. Our business's are no different.

I learned very quickly, that if you act like you are happy for them to do whatever they want.....they will..... and you will be very UNhappy.

Decide how you want your business to be and do it. Don't try and be TOO flexible.

I do all my interviews after hours. My current clients like the idea that I do not let any numbers of strangers wander through my home and be near their child. That's why many chose me over a center. I know others prefer to see the child with the other kids around. It's just personal preference.

I like to give a touring family my completely undivided attention and not having to stop answering their questions to attend to a currently enrolled child. I also believe that current parents are paying me to tend to THEIR child and not be interviewing others.

The main thing is, you have to do what YOU want to do. It doesn't matter a hill of beans what I do or anyone else. Do what feels right to you.

Good luck with your new daycare!

[melilley]

Hi! I too just opened my in home daycare so I just started doing interviews. I have my 3rd interview on Friday! I agree with Meeko. I am the first to admit that I don't have a backbone, I'm a people pleaser. But I have learned that in order for people to look at you as a professional, you need to stick to what you say and not be too lenient. I have kicked my self several times for not sticking to what I told myself I would do starting out. But you learn after every phone call and interview, so the next one is better. One thing I have been running into is people who want part time, which I will take 1-2 part timers, but they want a couple of days and maybe not a week here so I made a policy that they must do at least 2 days a week.

As for the actual interview, I have a copy of my handbook/policies that I go through with them, I do infant and toddler daily sheets so I show them what ever one applies to them and show them the types of food that will be served, and show them the daily schedule but explain that it's just an outline of the day-meals and naps for 1 years and over are the only concrete times, I'm not going to give a copy of anything until they enroll and pay. I do however have a website that has everything on it so they can look at that first and I also have business cards that I give to them. Or you can email them the handbook-saves paper.

Common questions are: how many kids do you have in your care now and what are the ages (I explain that I just opened), even though I advertise with my hours people still ask what they are, tuition rates, what my husband does and if he will be here during hours, what my curriculum is like (I do mostly child led curriculum, but do have a weekly theme and a circle time (parents seem to like that).

The only weird question I got was if my husband would be here and what he does, but I later found out that that is a common question.

I just ask the ages of the child/ren, their names, have they been in group care before, what days and hours they need (I have found that sometimes what they say on the phone is different than what they say they, need in person but that's about it. When they come for an interview I explain my program, the parents talk and I get to know somewhat how they are. Like I said, I have only had 2 in person interviews so far, but I have had many emails, phone calls and texts. 1 interview didn't show up or call so be prepared for that. Oh and even though they say that they will wait for you to open, I wouldn't count on it unless they give you a deposit.
Good Luck!
What part of MI are you from? I'm in the Lansing area. I haven't found anyone on here from my part of the state yet.