Help with Interviewing Daycare Providers

S., it really doesn't matter what you ask and what you don't because they all have wonderful little packets with all the info on the center. What does matter-Follow your gut instinct! If the little voice is saying, I really don't like this, and this, and that,...listen to it. You know when it's a match. LISTEN TO YOUR INTUITION-it knows more than what's in that neat little info packet. God Bless you and your little one.
I did hear good things about the center on Ashland, Close to GreenBay. It's a big house on the corner. Sorry not a lot of information for you. I do know a lovely lady and her daughter-in-law, who provide childcare on Brown. It doesn't look ritzy, but they do love their little ones and provide exceptional care to newborns. She watched my children for a short time and my best friend's newborn from 6wks until three.-My friend loved these women so much, she recommended them to me. If you can get past the older home and compact conditions, they are hard to beat. Especially, when it comes to loving, secure and true blue childcare. They are affordable to boot.

Hi - check out the website www.childcareaware.org They have many resources on what to look for in a daycare provider and a handy checklist on items to check or ask during an interview.

Hi S.,

Congratulations! Are you interviewing outside services or someone in home? I can give you a list of questions for in home care....I haven't dealt with outside services.

Let me know if you need info in in home stuff.

N.

S.- I am a day care provider in Chicago and here are some the questions that I have been asked by expectant parents, first time moms and those wishing to enroll in my program...
What kind of program do you offer for infants (ex- activities)?
How many infants do you have, meaning children from 6 wks - 15 months old?
How many children do you care for total?
How long have you been licensed by DCFS?
Do you have current CPR/First Aid certification?
What is your sick policy? This means when is your child not able to come to day care when he is sick...
Do you administer medication, both over the counter and prescription?
Do you have pets?
Do you or does anyone smoke in the home? (Second hand smoke is horrible because the odor lingers on the clothes).
What is your vacation policy? (Are you completely closed for a specific week and do I still have to pay you..)
What do you do if you're sick and unable to care for my child/ren?
Do you have working smoke alarms, and a fire extinguisher?
Do you have training with special needs children? (Just in case- hopefully it won't apply to you).
Can I come and visit your program before the baby is due? and then Can I come and visit with my infant and participate in an activity/lesson once my child is born?
What hours are you open? What holidays are you closed?
Do you accept Action for Children? (this is parent subsidy program)
Do you have a parent/provider contract?
Do you allow for a 2 week trial period? (Just in case the provider isn't able to provide for your child, your child cannot adapt to the provider's program, or if the parent doesn't like the program/provider.
Do you take the baby off the premises or in a vehicle?
Do you have day care insurance or car insurance that covers the day care children?
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me...I hope this will help-
Take care-
M.