I-Team: Private Day Care Advice

News reporting can only show snippets of the actual interview.  As President of Family Childcare Homes of Rhode Island,inc.(www.familychildcarehomesri.org) and the Director of Just For Tots Family Childcare (www.justfortotschildcare.com) it is important for parents to know how to choose a quality standards base Family Childcare even if it is in the basement.
Visit a program when children are there to find out what happens during the day. Ask for a tour of the childcare when children are awake and engaged. Try to spend at least
15 minutes in the childcare.
What to look for during your visit:
• Children spending most of their time playing and working with materials or other children. Children should be actively engaged in activities. In general, children should be happy and
interacting with one another and with the provider.
• Interesting learning environments with clearly defined learning areas that offer children many choices. Some things to look for
include: small groups of children constructing with building blocks, playing with creative props in a dramatic play area (e.g. camping equipment and a tent, medical equipment in a doctor’s office), or using table toys such as peg boards and puzzles.
• Plentiful materials and toys that are well-maintained and age-appropriate. The materials should represent the interests and the cultures of the children.
• Providers who are engaged in meaningful conversations
with children. Providers who read to children daily and use activities and routines such as attendance and
serving snack to teach numbers, letters and sound concepts.
• A posted daily schedule that offers opportunities for children
to work individually and in small and large groups. Children should have opportunities to make choices and select their own activities as well as participate in activities planned and led by their teacher. Children should have an opportunity to play outside most every day.
• An area that is decorated with children’s work — original artwork, children’s writing (with invented spelling or emerging letters) and stories dictated by children to teachers. More information can be found at (ride.ri.gov/els/parentbrochure.asp)
DCYF is working hard to bring information to providers so they can provide the proper documentation that their basement program is save for children.  In the mean time if you are a parent looking at family childcare as an option, one can go to www.optionsforworkingfamilies.org on How to find the best care for your family.

Be sure to have a list of questions prepared before you give them a call. Here are some good talking points to help you get started:

* What do you like about babysitting?
* How long have you been caring for children?
* What certifications do you have?
* What is your availability?
* What is your rate?
This will help you further determine how well each person will fit in with your family. Depending on what the caregiver will be required to do, every family has different criteria. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. In order to get the most complete picture of the candidate, it’s important to cover all of the following categories:

Prior Experience
Caregiver Scenarios
Personal
Feedback

The bottom line

A good interview is a key part of the hiring process. It allows you to learn about a prospective provider’s personality, experience, and care philosophy. You can also see the provider in action and observe how she interacts with your loved ones. But you should not stop asking questions once you enroll your child in day care. Continue to visit the site for observation, get your family member’s feedback, and communicate with the caregiver. There is no question that is not worth asking when it comes to your loved one’s safety and happiness.
I hope this information is helpful in choosing quality for your family
Colleen Dorian President of FCCHRI