Interview Tips

[childcaremom]

I am in need of some suggestions on how to conduct a good interview to (hopefully) weed out the families that will not be a good fit.

I have been open for over a year and have def. improved my interviewing techniques but I have had a string of bad luck lately with families that have just not been a good fit, mostly behaviourly.

The latest: I interviewed mom and child. Mom seemed on board with same parenting techniques and expectations, dcg3 seemed like a typical 3yo. I clearly go over my policies during an interview and send them home with my handbook. Signed them on.

There are so many issues, some little, some not, that I am not providing care beyond the end of this week. That is it for me. 4 days! I do not have a waiting list so am actively interviewing to replace.

Currently, when I interview, I have parent and child present. I go over a typical day. I go over my policies. I go over my big concerns twice, sometimes three times, as these are issues that I have terminated for in the past (abiding by contracted hours, sick kids stay home, outdoor time is non-negotiable, behavioural expectations). I ask them about their routines at home, concerns about having a child in daycare, expectations for their child in daycare. I observe how parents are with their child.

What am I missing? I should add that these kids have been older, so through a daycare before, so I am wondering if it is just harder with kids who are carrying over bad habits? Maybe I should stick with daycare newbies :confused:

[Play Care]

It really depends on why they are leaving dc. I've had very good luck with kids who have GOOD dc experience. In one case the provider retired and you could tell she was awesome. I have a 4 yo DCG now who is with me because I transport to preschool - they loved the other provider but she didn't transport and had just taken on an infant. Mom had noticed that DCG was talking baby talk and regressing, etc. she was very worried that with DCG set to start K next Fall she wouldn't be ready. She's worked out pretty well.
Last year I took on a family (three boys) who,had been home with mom on extended leave. It was AWFUL!!! They cried all day, didn't nap, didn't understand why they couldn't do as they pleased, etc.

One of the things I do is take over the interview right from the start. Greet them warmly and tell them how the interview will go "hi, I'm Sally, so nice to meet you! I will give you the "grand tour" and then we can go over my contract. I ask you take it home and read it thoroughly and THEN contact me with any questions - I find it works better that way." And then GO!

That said, I've come to believe that parents hear what they want to hear - and the only thing we can do is enforce our policies from the get go. That means terminating if warranted and not keeping kids past the trial period when you know it's not going to work.

Good luck!!

[daycarediva]

I think I have an awesome interview set up. I take charge, we do a tour, go through what I offer and a typical day. Then I have my odd/14 take child to set up a center or play area. I go over my policies/handbook thoroughly. I give them a copy of my handbook and tell them that I will be contacting them.


I have never had a family disagree with anything. Maybe I have all people pleasers (and after interview, some obvious fibbers!) I have had some so-so interviews I took a chance on work out great and some great interviews tank during the trial.


Is a parent really going to say "Sally is the boss at home. She has no nap routine and screams at bedtime so we let her stay up until 12. She will be miserable for you every morning because of this. She also eats standing on the kitchen counter, so getting her to stay seated at meal times will be a real challenge. She is also bossy and doesn't share. In addition, my job doesn't have paid time off, so I WILL be doping and dropping her whenever she is sick and conveniently not answering my phone when you text and call."

[nannyde]

https://www.daycare.com/nannyde/interviewing-nannyde-style.htm

[childcaremom]

Thank you!