Post by Admin on Sept 24, 2007 21:43:44 GMT -5
When making the initial contact with your potential Provider, tell the Provider the ages of your children and the hours you require.
When speaking to a Provider on the phone, be honest. If the Providers rates, hours etc do not work for you, tell her so. If you are only looking for information, be upfront. Most child care professionals are happy to share information with anyone who is honest. Do not promise to call back unless you intend to do so. The Provider may be waiting for your phone call.
Do not decide you do not like Provider based on a phone conversation (unless her hours, location, etc do not meet your needs). You may be surprised by how different she is in person. Interview all daycares that meet your basic requirements. If the Provider seems distracted or short on the phone it may be that she is busy with the children. Keep phone conversations short. Save most of your questions for the interview.
When setting up a time for the interview, make sure you repeat the date and time you have agreed upon. Write down the interview time and display it in a prominent place so you will not forget. Give the Provider your phone number in case something comes up. Make sure you get the Providers complete address and directions to her house.
Set a specific time for the interview and arrive on time. If you change you mind or have to reschedule the interview please call the Provider as soon as possible. The Provider will likely spend some time preparing for you and may re-arrange her day to accomodate the interview. How would you feel if you made an appointment with someone and they failed to show up?
Plan to interview several Providers. If you interview a Provider you really like, continue to interview the other Providers on your list before making up your mind. You may miss out on meeting the perfect match for you if you make your decision in haste.
Do not stay at the Providers house for more than 1 hour. If necessary you can set up a second interview.
Always thank the Provider for her time.
If you are sure you will not choose the Provider, do not let her think you will. She may turn others away thinking you want the available spot. Offer constructive feedback at the end of the interview. Let the Provider know right away if her program does not meet your needs.
Always call the Provider within a week of the interview. Even if you decide not to go with the Provider, let her know. It is also desirable to offer constructive feedback or give a reason why you chose someone else (ie: location, fees, the other Provider is more experienced- but be honest).
Keep in mind the Provider is also interviewing you to decide if you will be a good match for her program. The Provider will continue to interview other potential clients until she has a commitment. Do not assume the Provider will hold the space available for you while you make up your mind.
Read any information the Provider gives you carefully even if you don't think she is right for you. The information might help you when interviewing other Providers. Some Provdiers may want the interview package returned to them if you decide not to register.
Respect the Provider as a professional. Do not try to bargan with her on fees and other policies. Most Providers can be flexible with hours, menu, etc but fees will be universal with all clients are are not negotiable.
Do not assume anything. If you have any questions or concerns or special requests, make sure you ask at the interview. This will help reduce misunderstandings.
Daycare Providers are skilled professionals, not babysitters. We offer a service to the community. It is your job to decide which daycare meets your needs best. The Parent-Provider relationship is a partnership based on mutual respect. Keep in mind that while you have your child's best interest in mind,it is your Provider's job to look out for the best interest of her group as a whole.
When speaking to a Provider on the phone, be honest. If the Providers rates, hours etc do not work for you, tell her so. If you are only looking for information, be upfront. Most child care professionals are happy to share information with anyone who is honest. Do not promise to call back unless you intend to do so. The Provider may be waiting for your phone call.
Do not decide you do not like Provider based on a phone conversation (unless her hours, location, etc do not meet your needs). You may be surprised by how different she is in person. Interview all daycares that meet your basic requirements. If the Provider seems distracted or short on the phone it may be that she is busy with the children. Keep phone conversations short. Save most of your questions for the interview.
When setting up a time for the interview, make sure you repeat the date and time you have agreed upon. Write down the interview time and display it in a prominent place so you will not forget. Give the Provider your phone number in case something comes up. Make sure you get the Providers complete address and directions to her house.
Set a specific time for the interview and arrive on time. If you change you mind or have to reschedule the interview please call the Provider as soon as possible. The Provider will likely spend some time preparing for you and may re-arrange her day to accomodate the interview. How would you feel if you made an appointment with someone and they failed to show up?
Plan to interview several Providers. If you interview a Provider you really like, continue to interview the other Providers on your list before making up your mind. You may miss out on meeting the perfect match for you if you make your decision in haste.
Do not stay at the Providers house for more than 1 hour. If necessary you can set up a second interview.
Always thank the Provider for her time.
If you are sure you will not choose the Provider, do not let her think you will. She may turn others away thinking you want the available spot. Offer constructive feedback at the end of the interview. Let the Provider know right away if her program does not meet your needs.
Always call the Provider within a week of the interview. Even if you decide not to go with the Provider, let her know. It is also desirable to offer constructive feedback or give a reason why you chose someone else (ie: location, fees, the other Provider is more experienced- but be honest).
Keep in mind the Provider is also interviewing you to decide if you will be a good match for her program. The Provider will continue to interview other potential clients until she has a commitment. Do not assume the Provider will hold the space available for you while you make up your mind.
Read any information the Provider gives you carefully even if you don't think she is right for you. The information might help you when interviewing other Providers. Some Provdiers may want the interview package returned to them if you decide not to register.
Respect the Provider as a professional. Do not try to bargan with her on fees and other policies. Most Providers can be flexible with hours, menu, etc but fees will be universal with all clients are are not negotiable.
Do not assume anything. If you have any questions or concerns or special requests, make sure you ask at the interview. This will help reduce misunderstandings.
Daycare Providers are skilled professionals, not babysitters. We offer a service to the community. It is your job to decide which daycare meets your needs best. The Parent-Provider relationship is a partnership based on mutual respect. Keep in mind that while you have your child's best interest in mind,it is your Provider's job to look out for the best interest of her group as a whole.