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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