Evaluating a caregiver

The Phone Interview

Once you have a list of potential candidates, it's a good idea to ask them some general questions over the phone. This will give you a better idea of whether the caregiver is someone you would like to meet. Make sure you know and write down the provider's full name, age, address, and phone number. Also, ask for references.

Be sure to have a list of questions prepared before you give the caregiver a call. Here are some good talking points to help you get started:

What do you like about caring for children?

How long have you been caring for children?

What certifications do you have?

What is your availability?

What is your rate (s)?

Basics
Is it close to work or home?
Do its days and hours of operation fit my schedule?
What is the child-to-caregiver ratio?
How much does it cost? Can I afford it?

Do you feel comfortable with the person who will take care of your child?

Did you feel that your needs were understood and respected?

Is the facility licensed and operating within the standards?

Is it close to work or home?

Did the center staff or caregiver convey warmth and a sincere interest in you and your child?

Do you feel that you can speak openly and honestly about questions or concerns with the Director or Head Caregiver?

Setting

Is the playground inspected for safety often?

Is the playground, surrounded by a fence?

Are objects small enough to be swallowed, kept out of reach?

If there is a sandbox, is it clean?

Are the soil and playground surfaces checked often for dangerous substances and hazards?

Isthe equipment the right size and typefortheageofchildrenwhouseit?

Is it safe? No sharp edges, no staircases without railings?

Is there a first aid kit available? Is a fire extinguisher available?
Are emergency numbers posted?
Is it clean? Toys and books may be out of place - after all, children play here, - but it shouldn't be dirty.
Is it attractive? Is this a place in which my child will feel comfortable?
Is there space for both active and quiet play?
Is there ample space for infants and toddlers to crawl, climb, and play?
Is there enough heat, light and ventilation?
Is there a safe outdoor play area?
Do I feel that my child will be safe here?

Director or Caregiver Qualifications

Does the director of a child care center have a Bachelor's degree in a child-related field?

Has the director worked in child care for at least 2 years?

Does the director understand what children need to grow and learn?

Lead Teacher Qualifications

Does the lead teacher in a child care center have a Bachelor's degree in a child-related field?

Has the teacher worked in a child care center for at least 1 year?

Does the teacher give children lessons and toys that are right for their ages?

Child: Staff Ratio and Group Size

How many children are being cared for in the child care program?

How many caregivers are there? (Hint: Your child will get more attention if each caregiver has fewer children to take care of. The younger the children are, the more caregivers there should be. For example, one family home caregiver should only take care of two babies.)

Child Abuse

Can caregivers be seen by others at all times, so a child is never alone with one caregiver?

Have all caregivers gone through a background check?

Have the caregivers been trained how to prevent child abuse, how to recognize signs of child abuse, and how to report suspected child abuse?

Medications

Does the child care program keep medication out of reach of children?

Are the caregivers trained and the medications labeled to make sure the right child receives the right amount of the right medication at the right time?

Staff Training/First Aid

Have the caregivers been trained how to keep children healthy and safe from injury and illness?

Do they know how to do first aid and rescue breathing?

Have they been trained to understand and meet the needs of children of different ages?

Are all child care staff, volunteers, and substitutes trained on and implementing infant back sleeping and safe sleep policies to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, crib death)? (Hint: When infants are sleeping, are they on their backs with no pillows, quilts, stuffed toys, or other soft bedding in the crib with them?)

Immunizations

Is your child up-to-date on all of the required immunizations?

Does the child care program have records proving that the other children are up-to-date on all their required immunizations?

Toxic Substances

Are toxic substances like cleaning supplies and pest killers away from children?

Has the building been checked for dangerous substances like, radon, lead and asbestos?

Is poison control information posted?

Emergency Plan

Does the child care program have an emergency plan if a child is injured, sick or lost?

Does the child care program have a first aid kit?

Does the child care program have information about who to contact in an emergency?

Fire Drills

Does the child care program have a plan in case of a disaster like a fire, tornado, flood, blizzard, or earthquake?

Does the child care program do practice drills once every month?

Caregiver/Supervision
Is the caregiver warm, friendly, and supportive?

Does the caregiver seem to know and respond to each child as an individual?

Does the caregiver share my feelings about what is important for children? What are the rules? How are children disciplined?

How do the caregivers discipline children (Hint: Discipline should be positive, clear, consistent, and fair.)
What are the caregiver's qualifications?
How long has the caregiver been at this location?
Is the person I select to care for my child the one who will spend time with my child? Are children supervised at all times, even when they are sleeping?

Group size
Will my child get enough attention? Will my child be comfortable in this size group?
How many caregivers will work with my child's group?

Activities
Will the activities allow my child to develop bonds with the adults and children? Will my child learn new skills?
Will my child play in doors and out doors?
Will there be variety in my children's play?
What is the daily routine? Does it provide for healthy snacks and meals? Naps or rest time? Trips or special activities? Artistic expression? Reading and story telling?
Are infants and toddlers held, talked with and played with?

Parental involvement
Are caregivers available for daily chats with parents?
Do the caregivers encourage parents to visit the program?
Does the home or center provide parent meetings?
Does the home or center have information on child development available?
Do caregivers provide daily reports on infants and toddlers eating, napping, elimination and medication?
Does the home or center distribute written policies?

Hand Washing and Diapering

Do all caregivers and children wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers?

Is the place where diapers are changed clean?

Do caregivers remove the soiled diaper without dirtying any surface not already in contact with stool or urine?

Do caregivers clean and sanitize the surface after finishing the changing process? (Hint: Hands should be scrubbed with soap and water for at least 10 seconds and then rinsed and dried. The water faucet should be turned off with a paper towel.)

Personal

Do you follow a particular philosophy?

Do you follow a particular discipline method?

What kinds of things boost your morale, and what are your pet peeves?

Feedback

What do you expect from me?

What questions do you have for me?

The bottom line

A good interview is a key part of the hiring process. It allows you to learn about a prospective child care provider's personality, experience, and teaching philosophy. You can also see the provider in action and observe how he/she interacts with your child or children. Never stop asking questions once you hire a child care provider. Continue to visit the program for observation and communicate with your provider. There is no question that is not worth asking when it comes to your loved one's safety and happiness.