What questions should you ask during a child care programme interview?
Need some interview questions for child care? There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the best childcare setting for your child. After searching for options on our child care search, we recommend taking a few more steps to determine which one will be the best fit for your child’s and family’s needs. We compiled a comprehensive list of childcare interview questions to ask when calling or visiting childcare programmes.
Questions for Prescreening
Begin with the non-negotiables: openings, scheduling requirements, cost, and any other factors that, if not addressed correctly, could jeopardise the deal. Include questions about things that interest you so you can zero in on those that sound the most like what you’re looking for.
Questions for an Interview for child care programme (preferably in person)
- First and foremost, we would like to raise the following fundamental questions:
- How long and in what capacity have you worked in child care?
- Why did you decide to work in child care?
- What do you enjoy most about working with infants and children?
- Have you ever found it challenging to work with babies or children?
- What do you hope to gain from working with parents?
- Most common challenges you face when working with parents?
- Would you do all day with my baby/child?
- How do you deal with a “misbehaving” child?
- How are meals served here? Toileting? Napping?
- Who else lives here for Family Child Care?
Then, you can learn more about the childcare fit by asking “what if” scenarios like:
- What if my baby is fussy? Occasionally all day? Or what if two babies are crying at the same time?
- What would you do if a different child harmed my child?
- What would you do if my child became ill? Is there a sick leave policy? What if you (the provider) become ill?
- What if there is a disaster (fire, earthquake, or accident)?
Check the Status of Your License
After you’ve decided on a child care provider, go to the licensing website to see a record of previous licensing complaints, if the provider has any. This is the time to do it. Not previously. To interpret the information you receive, you must narrow your options and have personal experience with the provider.
Remember that you can always go back and ask the provider questions about what you’ve learned. It is their responsibility to reassure you. Or not.
Questions for Further Consideration
Now is the time if you still need to learn about specific childcare policies and procedures.
- What is the payment procedure?
- Is the programme available on holidays?
- What are your policies regarding sick and vacation days?
- What about your sick and vacation days (as the provider)?
- Is there a deposit required?
- How much notice do I need to give if we want to leave the programme?
- Do you have a contract that I can look over?
- How would you introduce my child to your programme?
Let Fraser River CEC do some of the work for you so you can focus on other things. Now that you’ve learned what questions should you ask during a childcare programme interview?
