Orange County Child Care Association

Provide, Promote and Support Quality Licensed Family Child Care

 

  Interviews

Phone interviews and the one-on-one interview can make both parent and provider nervous. The interview process is to allow a parent the opportunity to see if a provider meets his/her child’s needs and for the provider it is to determine if the child will fit into their program and if the parent will support the provider in his/her efforts in caring for all the children in his/her care.

 

We hope that you will find the following suggestions helpful as a provider and/or parent.

 

Thank You

 

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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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Orange County Child Care Association

PO Box 26769

Santa Ana, CA 92799

714.893.0390