The Childcare Provider Interview

Meeting and interviewing a potential childcare provider for your own baby is one of the most important tasks you'll face in your search for quality childcare, and often one of the most nervewracking. Remember, you're looking for a mommy or daddy substitute--someone who'll nurture, stimulate, love, cuddle, play with, value, and care for your baby in your stead.

As you interview applicants, remember your impression of them is as important as their answers to your questions. So, heed your instincts and pay attention: Do you like the the potential nanny or daycare provider? Does she seem warm, caring, sincere? Does she make eye contact? Does she interact with your child well? Does she seem interested in your child? How does she approach him? How does he respond? (You might even consider how you would feel spending up to 10 hours a day with this person.)

One mother we know interviewed 7 nannies before she made her choice — and though several of the woman seemed fine (not the young woman who never looked in the baby's direction, of course), she knew she found ther right one shortly after she walked in the door. Why? "Kate walked in, pet the cat, asked to wash her hands, and then immediately went to the baby," she recalls. "She scooped her up and started naming the parts of my daughter's face, much to my daughter's delight. She started laughing, and couldn't take her eyes off this woman the rest of the visit." The interview lasted for over an hour, during which time Kate simply confirmed the mother's instincts: This was a good fit for her family. The mother called the nanny's references, recieved glowing reports, and 2 years later, she's still working for the family.

So, try to keep in mind all the intangibles that will play a part in your interview and search process, as you proceed with your questions.

What should I ask in an interview?

Ask open-ended questions about a childcare provider's experience and strategies, such as:

• Why do you work with children?
  
  
• What kind of early childhood, development, or childcare training do you have?
  
  
• What do you like most about caring for children?
  
  
• What do you dislike?
  
  
• What age group is your favorite?
  
  
• What do you think babies need most?
  
  
• What is your discipline approach?
  
  
• How do you deal with crying?
  
  
• What activities do you like to do with babies?
  
  
• Do you have CPR and first-aid training, or are you willing to learn? (Many parents pay for such classes for in-home caregivers.)
  
  
• How long do you anticipate working in childcare?
  
  
• What are your references?