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:
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.
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.
Conduct interviews after
business hours so you may devote 100% of your attention on the interview
and not compromise the care of the children.
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.
Provider should ensure that
their facility is set-up the way in which you normally conduct business.
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.
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.
At the end of the interview make
sure both parties know the steps needed to reserve a space. (i.e.
deposit, completed contracts)
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.
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