ANSWER: Interview Caregivers

1) Call first and ask:

• Is there an opening for my child?
• What hours and days are you open and where are you located?
• How much does care cost? Is financial assistance available?
• How many children are in your care? What age groups do you serve?
• Do you provide transportation?
• Do you provide meals? (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)?
• Do caregivers have special qualifications or training?
• When can I come to visit?

2) Next, visit more than one provider and take the time to look for:

• Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions between caregiver and children.
• Children who are happily involved in daily activities and comfortable with their caregiver.
• A clean, save, and healthy indoor and outdoor environment, especially napping, eating and toileting areas.
• A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books, puzzles, blocks, or climbing equipment, that your child will find interesting and that will help their growth and development.
• Children getting individual attention.

3) And ask:

• Can I visit at any time?
• How do you handle discipline?
• What do you do if a child is sick?
• What would you do in case of an emergency?
• Are all children and staff required to be immunized?
• Do you have a substitute or back-up caregiver?
• Where do children nap? Do you know that babies should go to sleep on their backs?
• What training have you (and other staff and substitutes) had?
• May I see a copy of your CCD certification or registration?
• May I have a list of parents who have used your care now and in the past?

Check References

1) Ask other parents:

• Was the caregiver reliable every day?
• How did the caregiver discipline your child?
• Did your child enjoy the child care?
• How did the caregiver respond to you as a parent?
• Was the caregiver respectful of your values and culture?
• Would you recommend the caregiver without reservation?
• If your child is no longer with the caregiver, why did you leave?

2) Ask the local CCR&R or the state Child Care Division

• What regulations should the child care provider meet?
• Are there complaints about the child care provider I am considering and how do I find out about them?

Make the Decision for Quality Care

1) From what you heard and saw, ask yourself:

• Which child care should I choose so my child will be happy and grow?
• Which caregiver can meet the special needs of my child?
• Are the caregiver's values similar to my family's values?
• Is the care available and affordable, and meets my family's needs and resources?
• Do I feel good about my decision?

2) Stay involved

• Ask yourself how can I arrange my schedule so I can:
• Talk to my caregiver every day?
• Talk to my child every day about how the day went?
• Visit and observe my child in care at different times of the day?
• Be involved in my child's activities?
• How can I work with my caregiver to resolve issues and concerns that arise?
• How do I stay informed about my child's growth and development while in care?
• How can I promote good working conditions for my child care provider?
• How can I network with other parents?

After You’ve Found Child Care

1) It is important to set up a good relationship with the provider. This depends a lot on good communication:

• Let your provider know what kind of care you expect for your child. It's a good idea to drop in unexpectedly every so often to be sure you're happy with the care your children are getting.
• Discuss your work schedule so the provider knows when your child will be there.
• Ask the provider when you need to pay your co-pay or other charges.
• Tell a caregiver in advance when you plan to change providers.
• How can I work with my caregiver to resolve issues and concerns that arise?
• How do I stay informed about my child's growth and development while in care?
• How can I promote good working conditions for my child care provider?
• How can I network with other parents?

Information from Oregon Department of Human Resources. More information can be obtained at http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/children/.