Family Child Care Program

A Guide for Parents

Steps for choosing home-based child care

Step 1 – Place your child(ren) on the appropriate waiting list through the Registration and Referral (R&R) Office. When called by the R&R Office you will receive the name of a provider with an opening(s).

Step 2 – Conduct a phone interview with the provider. A telephone interview allows you the chance to gather information and forma first impression of the provider.

Step 3 – Schedule a personal home visit to the FCC provider’s home. You should bring along your child(ren) to see how he/she responds to the provider and environment.

Step 4 – Decide on a child care arrangement with your new FCC provider and complete necessary forms.

Step 5 – Call the R&R Office to make an appointment to register your child for the FCC provider’s home. Bring completed registration forms and updated shot records to your registration appointment.

Family Child Care Program

Telephone Interview Questions

Before you start asking questions, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself, give your child’s name, age, and sex, and make it clear when you need child care.

FCC provider’s name:

Telephone number:

Address:

Housing Area:

Designated Elementary School:

Hours:

How many children are currently in care?

How many full-time?

How many part-time?

How long have you operated a FCC home?

How long do you plan to continue an FCC home?

How much do you charge? $ per (hour, week, day)

How do the children spend the day? Indoor play? Outdoor play? Television?

Where do the children play?

What types of meals and snacks do you provide?

Are the meals/snacks included in the fees?

Will you accommodate a child’s special needs, such as transportation to preschool or receiving medication?

Family Child Care Program

Home Visit Interview Questions

Suggested Questions

How do you handle discipline problems?

What are your policies about (e.g., toilet training, and pacifiers)?

What is your contingency plan for times when you are sick or on vacation?

How many children (including your own) will be in the FCC home when my child(ren) is/are here?

What is your sick-child care policy?

Do you provide night-care or extended-hours care?

Observations

Does you child seem to like the provider?

Does the provider talk to your child?

Does the home appear childproof?

Does the provider involve your child with the other children?

Request a tour of the home.

Concluding the Interview

Decide whether you will finalize arrangements with the FCC provider, enroll your child(ren) for a two week trial basis, call the FCC provider back after you consider some other options, or that the FCC provider will not work out.