Questions To Ask References for a Family Home Daycare
References can be a helpful tool in helping you make your final decision about a childcare provider. Most parents are more than happy to share information with other parents, and nothing is more convincing than hearing how other parents rate their care. Ask each daycare you're considering for a list of past and present references. When you call, ask specific questions; instead of asking whether they like the daycare, ask what exactly they like about it and what they don't. Also, ask open-ended questions so the parent can share his/her thoughts in an unrestricted way. When you call the references, ask the following questions, and don’t be shy; be proud of being a careful parent who is doing a great job selecting the best child care program for your child!
Enrollment/Fees
How old is your child? _______________________________________________________________
How old was your child when you enrolled him/her in the home daycare? ______________________
How long has your child been enrolled in the home Daycare? _______________________________
If their child is no longer in the provider’s care, ask why? __________________________________
How long have you known the provider? _________________________________________________
Are changes in the fees communicated to you well in advance? ______________________________
Have you had any problems with the way the provider charges or collects fees? _________________
General Questions
Have you/your child experienced an emergency situation at the daycare? How was it handled? _______
Do you feel that the provider stays calm (or would stay calm) in an emergency? _________________
How much notice do you receive when the provider has a scheduled vacation or holiday? _________
How does the provider discipline your child? _____________________________________________
Have you ever disagreed with the way your child was disciplined? ___________________________
How much turnover of families have you seen since you have been there? ____________________
How is the provider’s home kept on a daily basis? Clean/dirty? Organized/messy? ______________
Are your child’s basic needs met every day? Diapering? Feeding? Rest time? Kept clean? ________
Communication
Is it easy to talk to the childcare provider? ________________________________________________
Do you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts to the provider? ___________________________
Does the provider keep you well informed about your child’s development? ____________________
How does the provider communicate with you? On a daily/weekly basis? ______________________
How does the childcare provider deal with problems or concerns? In a Professional manner? _____
Do you feel welcome to stop in at any time? ______________________________________________
Does the provider respect your values and culture? ________________________________________
Does the provider partner with you and your efforts to raise a healthy and happy child? ___________
Provider Profile
How is the provider’s attitude on a daily basis? Consistently happy? Enthusiastic? ______________
Is the provider dependable and reliable on a daily basis? __________________________________
How well does the childcare provider handle stressful situations? ___________________________
How well does the childcare provider relate to the children? _________________________________
How does the childcare provider treat your child? __________________________________________
Is the provider accommodating and flexible to your child's individual needs? ___________________
Does the provider make you and your child feel comfortable in his/her home? How? ______________
Child’s Perceptions
Does your child enjoy his/her time spent at the home daycare? Does he/she have fun? ___________
Is your child happy when you pick him/her up? ___________________________________________
What does your child like best about the home daycare? ___________________________________
How does your child feel about the childcare provider? _______________________________________
If healthy meals/snacks are provided, does your child like the various foods given to him/her? _________
If a preschool curriculum is provided, how well does your child learn? How much? ______________
Parent’s Perceptions
What is your perception of the provider’s personality? Kind? Honest? Professional? _____________
What do you like best/least about the childcare provider? ____________________________________
What are your favorite aspects of the home daycare? _______________________________________
If you could change anything about the home daycare what would it be? _______________________
Do you feel that your child gets individual attention from the provider? ________________________
Do you feel that your child has benefited from his/her experiences with the provider? How? ________
Would you recommend this childcare provider to a friend? Without reservation? _______________
Would you choose this childcare provider again? _________________________________________
Do you wholeheartedly trust the childcare provider? ________________________________________
