Child Care Providers: How to Pick the Right One

As it comes down to it, in my opinion, I'd recommend choosing an experienced individual who will watch no more than four children at their own home location, where they're comfortable and familiar with all the surroundings, emergency exit strategies, etc. However, when doing this, you must be able to trust this person completely. Below are 81 questions that I've compiled for you to copy and/or print out and send to prospective home child care providers:

Home Child Care Provider Questionnaire

1. What days and hours do you care for children? Are you flexible?
2. What is the cost?
3. It may not be necessary depending on the answers to these questions, but are you registered or licensed with the state of New Mexico?
4. Are you located in an apartment complex or home?
5. If you are located in an apartment complex, how do we access your apartment to drop off and pick up our child?
6. Do you own or rent the space in which you are caring for the children? If not, do you have permission from the owner(s) to care for the children during the above-stated days and hours?
7. Do you have an alternative phone number if we can't reach you?
8. Do you have a home phone in case your cell phone battery dies or loses reception?
9. How many children will you be caring for (including our child and your own children if you have any)? What is the ratio of caregivers to children?
10. What are the ages of the other children you will be caring for?
11. Are you at least 16 years of age?
12. Do you have an active driver's license and access to an insured, reliable vehicle in case of emergencies?
13. May we conduct a background check on you?
14. What experience and training do you have?
15. How long have you been a caregiver?
16. Who will be watching my child throughout the day?
17. Will anyone I haven't met be watching my child?
18. What are your policies regarding meals?
19. What are your policies regarding naps?
20. Where do the children sleep? (On pads? In a bed? Cribs?)
21. Are cribs free of pillows, comforters, bumper pads, etc.?
22. What are your policies regarding medications?
23. What are your policies regarding illness?
24. If you become sick and contagious, who will watch the children until you are well?
25. Do you have a vehicle in case of emergencies?
26. What are your policies regarding late pick-up?
27. Do you have any other policies? If so, what are they?
28. Can I have a calendar that shows the days on which you are closed?
29. Are meals and snacks (including milk and juice) available for my child by you, or should we provide these things for him?
30. If you provide meals and snacks for him, can you describe your menu?
31. What would a typical day be like for my child?
32. Do you have a daily schedule and list of activities?
33. What is your philosophy on child care and child development?
34. Do you have any references that we can contact (a list of names and telephone numbers of families whose children you have cared for)?
35. Are parents encouraged to visit at any time?
36. Do you and the children ever leave the building for activities/field trips?
37. Are outdoor activities conducted in a private, protected yard or play area without access from strangers?
38. Will you communicate with both parents regularly?
39. Are all of the doors locked when you are not using them? Or do they remain open at any time for ventilation or parents to come in as they wish?
40. Does the caregiver have a schedule of balanced activities (both active and quiet, indoor and outdoor, free play, story time, naps, etc.)?
41. Is there a variety of activities geared to the age levels and needs of the children?
42. Is indoor and outdoor equipment safe and age-appropriate?
43. Is the play area welcoming to children?
44. Are there books, puzzles, games, blocks, drawing supplies, etc., within children's reach?
45. Can you describe a couple of the toys in which our child will be playing with?
46. Are children given their own space for their clothing and things from home?
47. Are there opportunities for music and movement activities?
48. Are there hands-on materials such as sand, clay, water, non-toxic paint, housekeeping toys, etc., to stimulate creativity?
49. Do children often experience success?
50. Is television limited to creative children's programs, and limited in time?
51. Do children look happy, active and engaged?
52. Can you see and hear the children at all times?
53. Are dangerous substances kept out of children's reach?
54. Are children exposed to smoking?
55. Do you and the children wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, changing diapers and blowing noses?
56. Is the diaper-changing area clean and safe?
57. Do you have stuffed animals that the children play with and share?
58. How often and at what times do you clean the floors/carpet?
59. How often are the toys sanitized?
60. Are the restroom doors closed at all times?
61. Do you have a fire escape plan and posted emergency numbers?
62. Is a fire extinguisher accessible and is there a working smoke detector?
63. Are all electrical outlets covered, and are electrical cords and space heaters out of children's reach?
64. Are there any sharp corners on the furniture? And if so, are they covered with protectors?
65. Are there are gates on the stairs (if you have any)?
66. Are blind or curtain cords out of children's reach?
67. Is the outdoor play area safe (dangerous areas fenced, play equipment safe and sandboxes covered)?
68. Do you have a first aid kit that is easily accessible?
69. Are you CPR Certified?
70. Are guns locked up and kept out of children's reach?
71. Is your home adequately ventilated?
72. Does your home have appropriate indoor and outdoor space for children, and free of clutter and breakable items?
73. Do pets have their shots and are child-friendly or kept away from children?
74. Are children encouraged to cooperate with others?
75. What are your beliefs on discipline?
76. What do you do/use for teething children?
77. If our child wants to be picked up and held all the time, what do you do?
78. How often do you change diapers?
79. For future reference, do you support and encourage children during the potty-training process?
80. Is there enough space for children to explore and develop motor skills?
81. Can we meet with you to examine your home prior to making a decision?

Hope that helps.