Intrusive Questions

[happymom]

Some also do not understand the professional relationship that you are to have with your daycare provider and expect it to be a lot more casual.

They simply do not know.

[Rockgirl]

Please try to remember that some of these parents have NEVER interviewed a daycare or have any experience with home daycare and they are just trying to learn about the environment they are leaving their children in. It's really hard to feel peace when planning to leave your child with someone you have just met.

When I was a new mom and interviewing daycares, I literally left interviews and cried in my car. It is an extremely stressful process choosing someone to care for your children and the place that your little one will spend 40 hours a week.

I can understand that. It must be really difficult. Except the OP's potential dcd was way out of line asking how they afford their home, and whether they get food stamps. WAY overstepping.

[Unregistered]

I would have been very offended at OP's situation. And I'm a financial person, ready and willing to talk about money. But that was above and beyond.

I have been asked if I would NOT teach Spanish while their little precious was in attendance, since you know, they aren't prejudice or anything, but people should really just speak English in America. I'm pretty sure my face was priceless.

[DaveA]

I think I'm pretty good about telling the difference between parents being nervous about care and those who aren't going to treat it as a professional relationship or are just plain nosey/ pushy. The first group I have no problem explaining situations to, the second gets redirected back to daycare matters. I also don't agree to care for a child at the interview so I can think about it afterwards. Most of the "out there" questions I get deal with me being male: who actually watches the children, who comes in to change diapers, can they put cameras in my house to make sure their child is safe, or how do I handle doing "women's work" :confused::confused: Although I will say well meaning DCPs will come up with some head scratchers sometimes, but none that pop out right now.

[LysesKids]

One question that caught me off guard a few weeks ago was did I have central AC... why yes I do, but it's kept around 77-78 and I run my fans - heat index was 100 that day and dad was complaining that they always keep AC at 68-70 at home and that my house was too hot. I'm not freezing me or my babies out of my home just for one parent plus electric is bloody expensive.

I have an energy Star home & all my parents have no issue with 77 & fans in this heat, in fact most love how it feels when you come in from outside

[happymom]

I can understand that. It must be really difficult. Except the OP's potential dcd was way out of line asking how they afford their home, and whether they get food stamps. WAY overstepping.

I absolutely agree! Asking anyone about their financial situation (even a friend) is way overstepping in my opinion.

But questions about other adults who may be in the home with someone's child are very legitimate and should be expected in an interview for a child care.

[Leigh]

One question that caught me off guard a few weeks ago was did I have central AC... why yes I do, but it's kept around 77-78 and I run my fans - heat index was 100 that day and dad was complaining that they always keep AC at 68-70 at home and that my house was too hot. I'm not freezing me or my babies out of my home just for one parent plus electric is bloody expensive.

I have an energy Star home & all my parents have no issue with 77 & fans in this heat, in fact most love how it feels when you come in from outside

Does your state have regs about this? I know that for foster care, my home has to be maintained between 66 & 74 degrees.

[LysesKids]

Does your state have regs about this? I know that for foster care, my home has to be maintained between 66 & 74 degrees.

No we don't. I never keep it below 72 in winter because I have all babies and in summer my fans are always going, not just AC (when it's cooler out windows are open); like I said it's an Energy Star home & it's not even 3 years old. 77 with fans is very cool compared to the 100 degrees outside.

Even when I had Foster babies in care the state had no problem with 78 in summer with fans

[LysesKids]

Does your state have regs about this? I know that for foster care, my home has to be maintained between 66 & 74 degrees.

Well they don't have this listed for home care, but this is for centers, so I'm pretty sure I'm ok;

"All rooms used by children shall be maintained at a temperature of between 68 degrees to 78 degrees F by means of heating, cooling or ventilation sources approved for use."

[Leigh]

Well they don't have this listed for home care, but this is for centers, so I'm pretty sure I'm ok;

"All rooms used by children shall be maintained at a temperature of between 68 degrees to 78 degrees F by means of heating, cooling or ventilation sources approved for use."

I doubt that you'd ever get written up for having a home at 78, anyway! My husband would love living with you! He's always cold, I'm always hot. I like it around 66 in the winter, 70-ish in the summer. He likes 80 year round. We compromise at 72-73 because of the kids' comfort.

[Josiegirl]

Well they don't have this listed for home care, but this is for centers, so I'm pretty sure I'm ok;

"All rooms used by children shall be maintained at a temperature of between 68 degrees to 78 degrees F by means of heating, cooling or ventilation sources approved for use."

They've only had it for centers in my state as well but new regs. for home providers are now going to include it. AND I've heard the inspectors bring a thermometer and measure the temp. a few "s from the floor. Are you Kidding me??
My problem is the playroom is the hottest room and the coldest too. Grrr.

[LysesKids]

They've only had it for centers in my state as well but new regs. for home providers are now going to include it. AND I've heard the inspectors bring a thermometer and measure the temp. a few "s from the floor. Are you Kidding me??
My problem is the playroom is the hottest room and the coldest too. Grrr.

Another reason I am glad I can go legally licensed exempt... In my state I can only take 4 infants regardless of being licensed or not

[KristinsHomeCC]

I was just asked the other day in a phone interview where diaper changes are held and would she have to worry about any inappropriate behavior!!! I was immediately sickened to my stomach at the question and hung up. It was from a craigslist ad and she never called back.

[KristinsHomeCC]

Also, my very very first interview. The dad walks in and before I even shook his hand, his comment was "well...atleast the inside is a lot nicer than the outside!". (Knowing what I know now and my confidence level, I would have immediately turned them around and back out the door! :

He also made a comment about my rate, tried to negotiate it with me, and told me I should get some updated toys because his son outgrew what I had already, and placated me when I started mentioning what the rate covers (groceries)...

"Okay so what, you spend like 20 bucks a week on groceries?"

Ohhhh how I wish I could go through that interview again