STEP ONE:
Turning
Calls into
One-On-One
Interviews
The phone interview is as important for the parent as
it is the provider. It is an opportunity to discuss key information to
determine if both parent and provider can work to meet the needs of the
child.
It is important for parents to share information with
the provider as much as it is for a provider to share information with
the parent.
It is also wise for both provider and parent to write
down the information discussed. This will prove to be a valuable tool
during the one-on-one interview.
Suggested topics:
§ Age of child(ren)
§ Hours needed
§ Small/Large group home
§ Ages of children in care
§ Sick Policy
§ Vacation Policy
§ Discipline Policy
§ Meals Provided
§ Activities
§ Field Trips
§ Transportation
§ Rates (see below)
§ Registration Fee
§ License Number
As a provider, it is important to make sure that the
parent also meets the criteria you have to run your business smoothly.
You may want to discuss the following in addition to the above questions.
§ Will the parent be able to pick up a sick child in a
timely manner?
§ Has the child been in child care before? If yes, why
was child removed from previous care provider?
In addition to discussing these questions during the
interview a provider should share their daily routine and any other
important things that make you a quality provider.
RATES:
Provider fees can be based on several factors, here are
just a few:
§ Years of service
§ Education
§ Planned Activities
§ Referral Base
§ Dedicated Space
§ And much more…
Parents: Do not determine if a one-on-one interview is
appropriate based solely on fees. If a provider meets your needs in all
other areas you may want to meet with them and view their facility.
Remember, you get what you pay for and this is your child.
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STEP TWO:
Conducting
One-On-One Interviews
One-on-one interviews are the next step after the
initial phone interview. While a parent may have their desired time to
interview, each provider will need to determine when the best time is to
conduct an interview.
When interviewing it is best to have both parents and
child(ren) there. Naturally, single parents may or may not be able to
bring the child’s father/mother, however if you will be having contact
with both parents and they each sign the contract, it is a good business
practice to meet both parents whenever possible.
Here
are some helpful pointers for a successful one-on-one interview:
þ
Provider should contact parent either the day before or day of the
interview to confirm the appointment. If provider does not parent will
want to confirm with provider.
þ Both
provider and parent should have their phone interview sheet available and
review prior to the interview. This will help each remember what was
discussed.
þ
Conduct interviews after business hours so you may devote 100% of your
attention on the interview and not compromise the care of the children.
R If you conduct interviews during business hours, do it
while the children are napping, or at a time that will not compromise
your ability to care for them.
R Provider should ensure that their facility is set-up
the way in which you normally conduct business.
R Provider may want to give parent a flyer to help them
remember their facility. Include items such as hours, meals, activities,
years of service. This is the provider’s opportunity to be remembered.
Remember to always include your license number on any advertising.
R Provider should be prepared to give the parent a list
of referrals should you both agree to proceed after the one-on-one
interview. Parent should keep in mind to contact referrals at a
reasonable time. Early morning/late night calls are not generally
appreciated by referrals.
R At the end of the interview make sure both parties
know the steps needed to reserve a space. (i.e. deposit, completed
contracts)
R If parent is seeking care at a future date then parent
will want to request to be placed on a providers “waiting list”. Keep in mind that not all providers
have a “waiting list”.
We hope these helpful pointers help both provider and
parent with a successful interview. If either provider or parent has any
questions or comments please feel free to contact us.
OCCCA Board
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