How many children do you care for, including your own? How old are they?
State and local licensing agencies impose limits on how many children an at-home provider can care for. There will be a total enrollment cap that includes the provider’s own children, as well as age-specific enrollment caps. Make sure that your potential provider will not bump your child because they will be at capacity when little Suzie comes back from summer vacation (believe me, this does happen). You also want to make sure that your child will have children their own age to play with.
What is your nutrition plan?
State licensing is often a bit more vague when it comes to nutrition. Minimum requirements exist, but you will want to ask what types of food your child will actually be eating. If your child has food allergies or other nutritional needs, you will want to make sure that your at-home provider can meet those requirements.
What is your curriculum?
Your at-home provider should have a plan to help your child learn. Even infants need some degree of structure. For example, my daughter’s original at-home provider used the popular Mother Goose curriculum. At-home providers are a lot like the old style one-room school teachers. They need to be able to accommodate the developmental needs of children at multiple stages.
When can I come in to observe you in action?
You should make sure to visit any potential at-home provider while they are working. You want to see how the provider interacts with the children. Do they seem to like being there? Does the provider play favorites? Is there structure and fun? You will also want to look around a bit. Look at the areas of the home where your child will be. Check the outlets and cabinet doors to make sure they are adequately child-proofed. Make sure there is a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit at hand. Are food allergies displayed near the food preparation area? Also check the play area(s). Will your child have fun playing here? Is it a safe environment? There is a lot to look for so try to have a checklist when you go.
What are your vacation requirements?
Daycare providers need vacation time too. You just need to make sure that their expectations match your needs. Often, an at-home provider can help you find alternative care sources when they go on vacation. Ideally, your at-home provider will also provide you with vacation days. Normally, you need to pay your daycare bill whether your child is there or not. You should be provided with some vacation days so that you can go on a trip or care for a sick child at home without being charged.
May I have a list of your references?
Get the list of references and be sure to actually call them. Ask references about their general experience with the provider, as well as any specific concerns you might have. You can find out a lot about your providers childcare habits by talking to references. In addition, ask them what types of art and education projects that their children bring home. This way, you will have a better idea of what your child will get out of the experience.