Parents: Questions to Ask When Interviewing

Finding the right daycare for your child or children can be a daunting task. I’ve conducted many interviews since starting my daycare, and I compiled a list of good questions to ask when you are interviewing prospective daycares. This is a long list, so some of these questions could be asked on the phone or possibly answered if the provider has a website. *Most of the daycares in Wichita have websites that answer a lot of these questions. I know that my website covers most of this in my Parent Handbook or pages. If you are interested in a Microsoft Word version of these questions, send me an e-mail at daycaredeals@gmail.com.

1). How long have you been in business?

2). Are you licensed or registered? License/registation number?

3). What sort of training do you have?

4). How many children are currently enrolled?

5). What is the provider to child ratio?

6). How many spots do you have open right now?

7). If you’re currently full, do you have a waiting list? How long is your list?

8). What are your hours?

9). What is your holiday schedule?

10). What other days are you closed?

11). How flexible are you with pick up and drop off times?

12). What are your rates? Do you have a deposit? Additional fees?

13). Do you offer discounts for multiple children?

14). Do you have late fees? What are they?

15). Do you charge when my child is ill or we’re vacationing?

16). Do you charge for your vacation time?

17). How do payments work? monthly, weekly, biweekly?

18). Do you supply diapers and wipes or do I?

19). What other supplies are needed for care?

20). Do you encourage visits from parents?

21). How do you communicate with parents?

22). What is your discipline policy?

23). Do you have a backup provider if you’re sick?

24). How many sick/days off do you normally take in a year?

25). Do you help with potty-training?

26). What kind of activities do you do with the children?

27). Do you let the children watch tv?

28). What is your sick child policy?

29). Can I see your emergency plans/list of fire and tornado drills?

30). What is a typical menu for you? Are you on a food program?

31). What is your nap schedule?

32). How do you put kids down? Where?

Additional information:

*Make sure to take a tour of the house.

*Ask for references.

Advertisement