Child Care Interview Questions
There are a number of issues that you can address at the interview. Remember that you have the
right to ask questions that affect your child’s safety, developmental needs, and general care as well
as business relations with the provider. It is important for you to feel you can trust your child in the
provider’s care. Some issues that you may want to discuss are:
About the Caregiver
• Why did you go into child care? • What do you try to accomplish with the children? • How long do
you envision yourself doing child care? • What do you like most about being a child care provider? •
Describe what a typical day would be for my child.
What their Business Policies are:
• Are there written policies? • When are the fees collected? • Is there a late fee? • In what form can
payment be made (cash, check, credit card)? • Are you issued a receipt? • Do you pay for holidays? •
Sick Policy: Do you pay for days you child is sick? Do they take sick children? What happens when
the provider or family member is sick? • Vacation: Do you pay when you take vacation? Do you pay
when the provider takes vacation? • Are you given a copy of a contract?
Health and Safety issues :
• Is the environment reasonably clean? • Are there any hazards in the areas where children will be? •
Is the outdoor play area free from hazards and animal waste? • Is the yard fenced? Why or why not? •
How does the provider handle a child getting hurt in her care? • Is the provider certified for CPR and
first aid? • Is there adequate first aid items? • How does a provider handle a fire or tornado drill? •
What is the medication procedure for prescription and over the counter medications? • Is the setting
cheerful, well lit and well ventilated? • Are there smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? • Is there
adequate bedding for sleeping and is the sleep area safe? • Are the furnishings in good repair? •
How will the provider supervise a group of children of varying ages? • Where do children eat? •
Where do children sleep? • What meals and snacks are served? Give an example. How is meal time
handled?
Behavior Guidance and Self Esteem:
• What methods do/does the caregiver/s use to encourage positive behavior? • How does the
caregiver handle the different ages and stages of development? • Are children encouraged to find
positive solutions to conflicts and frustration? • Are limits set with consistent reinforcement? • How is
problem-solving and personal expression encouraged? • Is the provider available to intervene if a
child’s behavior becomes unruly? • How does the provider encourage children to use words to
express their feelings to each other? • How does the provider encourage children to participate? •
How is individual attention given to each child?
Program or Activities :
• What types of activities are provided for the various age groups? • Are materials and shelves
accessible to the children? • How much space is available for children’s activities? • Are children
allowed to explore? • Is there a mixture of activities offered? ie. A mix of free play and structured
activities, quiet and active, large and small muscle, individual and group activities. • Is there a mixture
of indoor and outdoor activities? • Are there a variety of age-appropriate play materials available?
Communication • How will the provider let you know what is happening each day? • Are parents
encouraged to visit during the day? • What would the provider do if you disagreed with them on an
issue? Infants/Toddlers in Care • What will the child sleeping in? • How is the infant’s environment
protected to allow them to explore? • How often does the provider change diapers? • Where are
diapers changed and what is the disinfecting procedure? • How is toilet training handled? • How does
the caregiver feel about bottles, pacifiers, stuffed animals, security blankets? • How does the provider
handle feedings and meals? • How often would the caregiver allow an infant/toddler to cry before
picking them up? • What does the caregiver think a baby needs from them at this age? • How often
will she hold the infant/toddler?
REMINDER: NOTHING, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A PACIFIER,
SHOULD BE IN THE CRIB WITH A CHILD, BIRTH TO ONE YEAR!