Questions to Ask

J.,

I am a homechildcare provider but I am also the mother of 4. The things that I feel are important for parents to ask and know are the following.

Are they registered with the state? The reason for this is b/c if they are they HAVE to be up to code and they have to have certain training, for CPR and first aid as well as training throughout the year so they can be the best they can be for the children.

How many kids do you watch now? You want to see if they are following the state guidlines. Only 4 infants under 18 months at one time period is state. Plus older kids, but no more than 4 infants at one time.

What kind of experience do you have working with children? Even with lots of classes or things if they have never worked with kids it is hard to tell how they will do with them. That is not to say that they won't be good, just no track record.

Does she have references that you can call and does she have any written comments from parents? This just shows that people are willing to give a written and/or verbal recommendation and that is a good thing to have.

I can't think of anything else at this time. Hope this helps.

Get references at least 3
Someone who is CPR Certified
Criminal background check

Good Questions: What is the teacher to child ration? My son was about that age when he received a note, from the daycare stating he ws crying too much. There were not enough caregivers in the baby room.
Another good source for me was the TX Dpt of Child Care License, site. If there was a problem, with an inspection, the site gave specific information.

As a Mom myself,a child care provider, and nursery worker. The best thing is to check out the place in person to get a feel for it. You will know if your child will like it. Ask questions that are important to you. If you have any special needs for your child let them known. How you want your child taken care of what food or formula to feed and how often. Naptime- where will they take a nap ? Anything special to get them to sleep, DO they prefer to be rocled, a blankie,pacifier,etc.

The best care is communication between parent and child care provider.

What wishes you want to be carried out while your away. It will constantly change, as there needs change the first year. That is why I love having a home childcare where you get to see them grow. Many of the parents have told me they prefer home childcare bacause sometimes in the largest centers they are more of a number and its harder for them to get to all the babies and many are crying when they pick up there baby, where in home childcare they get individual attention. If I can help in any way let me know being a Mom of a infant its hard to leave your baby. I know first hand.

No question is too silly to ask a child care provider. The state and sometimes the city have many rules that should be followed by a licensed or registered home provider.

How many children are given care in the home?
How many children live in the home?
How many children are you licensed to keep?
No smoking around children?
Any pets around children?
What areas of the home are the children allowed in and are those areas child safe?
Are all cleaning supplies shut away from children's reach?
Are all medications shut away out of children's reach?
First aid kit?
Where are emergency numbers posted?
Where does the child sleep?
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers?
Discipline policy as the child grows?
Will the child be transported by the provider in a vehicle?
Carseats?
Is the yard secured and safe? (routinely inspected by state and city)
Are meals provided?
How often are the children fed?
Do they hold the baby when feeding?
How often is the home inspected? (state every other year...city two/four times a year in some cities)
Criminal Historys done on all members of the home? (every other year)
Continued training in Early Childhood Development? (20 hours annually)
CPR and First Aid (every other year), Shaken Baby Syndrome (yearly) training?
Fire Inspections? (yearly)
Gas leak inspections if home has natural gas? (every other year)
Fire emergency plans?
Severe weather plans?

You'd probably be surprised at the requirements the home has to follow if they are registed with the state. They are stricter with us than with the parents.

If you'll email me, I'll send you a copy of my Information to new Parents document that will outline the things you can expect. And then you'll see what questions to ask. You, also, should have access to meal plans, inspections, and emergency plans.

Good luck and God bless.
Ms B.