How to Interview Family Day Care Providers

Most of the questions from Interviewing Care Providers 101 and Interviewing Day Cares also apply when sending your child to a provider who cares for children in her own home. Here are some additional questions you can ask when finding a family care provider:

• Are you licensed by the state?
• What is your child care background? (Education, certifications, training, etc.)
• How many children do you care for?
• Does anyone else assist you, and what are their qualifications?
• What is your policy if you are ill?
• Will the children be watching television?
• Do you have pets?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you receive personal, non-care related visitors during the day?

You must be able to rely on your family care provider. This person often works alone and with a smaller group of children of six to eight children. Placing your child in such an intimate setting requires that you know -- and agree with -- the provider's views on discipline, feeding, and age-appropriate activities. Even though the provider's house is her own, it should be child-proofed in terms of health and safety. Follow the recommendations offered in Interviewing Day Cares.

Ask for references as you would with any other care provider. Talk to parents when they pick up their kids and get their opinions on the care. You are placing your child in someone else's home, so conduct thorough visits and interviews to ensure that it's one you're comfortable with.