Before you begin the search, write your "wish" list for a caregiver. Update and delete as your perceptions change. When  you think you have found someone, make sure he or she fits the bill on the majority of "wish" list items.

Go twice: once to ask questions, and once with your child to observe.

Know your state's licensing regulations. Do they include mandatory CPR training, frequent inspections, background checks, fingerprinting and TB tests?

If you see parents on-site, be subtle but try to get impromptu references.

When placing an ad in the paper, use the phone to screen thoroughly. Only visit the top candidates.

Always check references.

Don't settle. Keep looking until you find the right person!

Before acceptance, ask yourself, "Do I feel completely confident in this person?"
 
 

Questions to ask on your first phone call:

1)  How many children are you licensed for?  What are their ages?  How many are full-time and how many are part-time?  What is the maximum number of children you will take?
2)  Do you have children of your own?  How old are they?
3)  What hours are you open?
4)  Where are you located?  Do you have a fenced in play area?
5)  Are you licensed?  How long have you been doing child care?
6)  Do you provide meals?  What types of foods do you serve the children?
7)  Tell me about your program.  Is it structured or unstructured?  Do you use curriculum?  What types of activities do you do?
8)  Do you smoke or does anyone smoke in the house?
9)  Do you have pets?
10)  How much do you charge?

During this time, please be sensitive to the fact that you may be calling during a time in which the provider is caring for children.  She may not be able to have an extended conversation with you.  I know personally I will ask a caller for their name & number and get back to them during the evening hours when we can have a more extensive phone interview.
 

Look over these questions before you go and think about what you’d want the caregivers answers to be.

1)  What kind of background do you have in child care?  What kind of training do you have?  Are you willing to take one or two appropriate courses per year if I pay for them? (For unlicensed or private nanny providers.)  Why did you choose the child care profession?
2)  What would be a typical day for my child?
3)  Who else would have contact with my child while they’re in your care?
4)   How long have you had your own center/family daycare?  Do you plan to continue doing child care for a few more years or do you have plans to quit within this year?
5)  How do you insure my child receives individual attention?
6)  Can you describe the mealtime routine for me?
7)  Describe to me your naptime routine.  May I see the area where the children sleep?  What do you do if a child refuses to take a nap?
8)  How do you handle discipline?
9)  How do you like to handle potty training?
10)  Do the children watch t.v.?  If so, how often and what kinds of programs?
11)  Do you take the children off-site?  If so, how are they transported?
12)  Do the children spend time outside on a regular basis?  Is the yard fenced and the equipment safe?  Can you see the entire yard at all times?
13)  What happens if my child is ill?  How do you maintain a relatively germ-free environment?  Do you have backup care if you are ill? (If the provider works by herself.)
14)  Where do you keep medicines, sharp knives, cleaning products and plastic bags?
15)  How will you communicate with me about my child’s progress?
16)  Do you care for children with special needs?
17)  If your child is school-age, do you have them do their homework?
18)  When do you get paid?  Do I pay if my child is not there?  What about vacations & holidays?  What do I do when you’re sick?
19)  Are you insured?
20)  May I drop in at any time while my child is in your care?
21)  Do you charge for vacations (yours and mine)?  Do you close during holidays? Am I expected to pay for those holidays?  When do you expect payment -- on a weekly or monthly basis?  Do you charge late fees?
22)  How would you describe the perfect parent?
23)  Do you have references?

Is the center/home well maintained? Are there paint chips from walls or windowsills?

How clean is the house? (Toys on the floor are acceptable, but avoid unusually messy and disorganized environments.)

Babyproofing: Is the furniture safe? Are sharp edges covered? Are electrical outlets covered? If there are stairs, are
safety gates used? Are cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen locked? Are bathroom doors kept shut?

Are children in high chairs strapped in?

Does each child get his or her own bedding? Are sheets used in all cribs? Are doors to napping areas left open, or will a
monitor be used?

Is the daycare well-lighted and cheerful?

Is the center/home a comfortable temperature?

Does the center/home have a yard with some shade?

Is the provider energetic, patient and calm around the children?

How does the provider interact with your child?

How do the children interact with one another?

How do the children interact with the provider?

Are the children happy and respectful of rules, or do they seem uncontrollable or unusually detached from activities?

Do you see infants that are awake and in a playpen or an infant swing for longer than a few minutes?

Are toys developmentally and age-appropriate?

Does the home/center avoid small toy parts?

Does the caregiver provide books for children?

Is there evidence of children's art projects? Is music played during the day?

Paying attention to all clues, would you say the caregiver has a parenting philosophy similar to yours?