When Do You Schedule Interviews?

[Willow]

There is a woman on a MN providers fb board I read that asked how to manage daycare kids during interviews she schedules with prospective families. Plenty of people brought up that they don't interview during daycare hours, at all, and she seemed shocked (and even offended that she should ever schedule daycare work during her family time in the evenings).

Then it was my turn to be shocked when several other providers mentioned they'll schedule a first interview in the evening, but then have no hesitation letting them come in during the day after that to "observe" the group.

On top of believing that it was against licensing regs to have strangers on the premises like that, you'd think common sense would rule and most providers would see it's neither beneficial or safe. I thought that was the point of providing references? Since dealing with one clingy slightly creepy dad in the beginning I've always told parents it's not allowed, just as I won't let them hang around everyone else's kids, no one else will be allowed in around theirs should they decide to enroll. It's not about me trying to "hide" anything, it's about safety and regs.

Maybe it's not that black and white though after all?


Anyone care to share how they handle the interview scheduling and parents who ask to "observe" the group?

[Brooksie]

I simply say that I do not allow interviews during DC hours because of the safety issue. Safety of the kids first. If they come for the interview and want to sign on they will get to observe at drop off and pick up during the 2 week trial. I also have an open door policy for our established families and they are always welcome to stop in on a lunch break, but I always require them to call first to make sure we aren't napping or at the park or something. I've had people ask to interview during DC hours, but I've never had someone continue to insist after I tell them its a safety concern.

[daycarediva]

Nope, I never allow what is the equivalent of strangers around my kids OR daycare kids. My kids aren't around for interviews, and neither are the dcks. I don't allow prospective families in during daycare hours. Interviews are scheduled after hours only.

I don't allow parents to observe, as they don't have the required clearances and it's very disruptive to the other kids.

[Familycare71]

In NY we can have people here they just have to sign a visitors sheet. I have had people come during daycare for interviews and current parents or the new ones have never had an issue- but I have never not felt safe either. The visitor would never be allowed alone time with any kid(obviously). I just tell people to be prepared to wait while I do my thing- I don't think I personally would sign my child up somewhere if I didn't observe a bit first. I have also done interviews after hours too...

[Blackcat31]

I don't do any type of observations.

They are a ridiculous concept and not one I ever entertain.

As far as interviews go, I do ALL my interviews during daycare hours.

I don't do anything daycare related (other than shop for supplies or maintenance on the house) on my off hours.

I don't even answer the phone, e-mails or texts on my off hours.

[LaLa1923]

I don't do any type of observations.

They are a ridiculous concept and not one I ever entertain.

As far as interviews go, I do ALL my interviews during daycare hours.

I don't do anything daycare related (other than shop for supplies or maintenance on the house) on my off hours.

I don't even answer the phone, e-mails or texts on my off hours.

DO you conduct them during nap? Any special time??


Centers always conduct interviews DURING hours as well. I do them whenever is convenient for both parties...

[Blackcat31]

DO you conduct them during nap? Any special time??


Centers always conduct interviews DURING hours as well. I do them whenever is convenient for both parties...

Any time except between lunch time and nap time.

So nothing between 11 and 3.

I don't mind if they come in the mornings or in the afternoons.

Depending on what time and what we have planned for that day, my DH will sometimes come and keep the other kids occupied and other times, I just work the interview into my day.

My DCK's are all really well behaved when "strangers" or guests are present so that has never been an issue for me.

[jenn]

I have done a little bit of everything

I don't usually answer the phone during daycare, so I return calls of potential clients during the evening or when a helper is here.

I start with a phone interview. I explain basic policies (opening/closing times, payments, supplies needed, napping,...) and answer basic questions. I would rather do this over the phone when it is convenient for me, than waste my time waiting for someone to arrive and then find out they are looking for something I don't offer or are not in agreement with my policies.

If too many red flags go up during the phone interview, I tell them that I have someone I'm waiting to hear back from before I set up any more interviews or just say I don't think we would be a good fit. If the phone interview goes well, I will invite them over for an in person interview.

I usually do interviews in the evening or on the weekends. I just tell them that I prefer to be able to give them my whole attention and if the other kids are here, I can't do that. I have done a few during daycare hours, but only when a helper is here and my daycare parents are aware that I have someone coming. I let them do a "walk through" tour of the house, but do not allow them to linger, play, or observe in the area with the kids. We all go back in another room to interview.

[Cradle2crayons]

I do an initial phone interview... Screening.... Whatever you want to call it.

I do my actual physical interview during daycare hours. I schedule them for 30 minutes and prefer to do them in the morning as the afternoons are much busier.

I don't do observations. They have 30 minutes to observe from the couch . They aren't allowed to play with the children in another room etc.

I do the visitor log as well so I can keep track and I ask for an ID and write that information on the visitor log.

[Familycare71]

I guess I don't do "observations" either then... I do let them see the area and meet the kids during the interview time- but not to come and just watch or play... It would creep me out

[Leanna]

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I am wondering if anyone does an actual paper application? I am thinking this might be a way to prescreen families (see what hours they need, what services, etc.) before scheduling an interview. Does anyone do this?

[Cradle2crayons]

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I am wondering if anyone does an actual paper application? I am thinking this might be a way to prescreen families (see what hours they need, what services, etc.) before scheduling an interview. Does anyone do this?

I have a phone interview paper with all that on it when I talk to them on the ohine.

[jokalima]

I do them during nap time, I hate doing business during my off hours. I should call licencing and see if this is completely against the rules. This thread got me thinking

[jessrlee]

I do interviews on saturday mornings. I don't interview during hours due to creepers

[lilcupcakes09]

This also got me thinking....

I have my people come at naptime also, but I have only ever had 1 "real" interview with complete strangers...this Dad was a police officer so really nothing to worry about there. Otherwise, all my other kids I know the parents in some sort of way before hand. I'm also against doing interviews after hours, I don't have enough alone time with my family as it is....much less having to kick someone out because they want to talk all evening!

I don't plan on any interviews anytime soon, I'm full and hoping to stay that way :hug: