Parents, wanting what is best for their child, can expect the following things from their child care provider.

1. Open and frequent feedback about their child's day and development. An open exchange of questions, noted behavior changes, and joys or concerns should be shared with parents.
2. An open door to the provider's home anytime. Parents should feel welcome visiting the child care program.
3. An environment that is safe and free of hazards, but that also allows children to explore. Safety seats or seat belts should be used when transporting children and adults.
4. A willingness to work with the parent on particular problems or limitations - situational and developmental - such as toileting, food habits, manners, attachment, separation, and television viewing.
5. Advance notice of any changes in scheduled care, particularly in termination of care.
6. A non-judgmental attitude about family customs, work schedules or parenting style. A cooperative spirit for the benefit of the child is much more productive.
7. A trust that other adults interacting with the children are supervised, trustworthy, and well trained in the needs of children.
8. A positive and stimulating environment that teaches children life skills and enhances their self-esteem. Children should be allowed to question, investigate, and make choices.
9. Notification of changes in the day's schedule. Parents should have given permission before children take field trips away from child care.
10. A written statement of policies regarding payments, philosophy, illness, and procedures for drop-off and pick-up, etc.

To benefit the child, there are several equally important considerations for parents.

1. An agreement between the caregiver and the parent about expectations in scheduling, payment of fees, and vacation time.
2. When difficulties or misunderstandings arise, a willingness to ask questions and listen until all facts are collected. Maintain open and constructive communication.
3. A willingness to discuss the child, the child's routines, activities, and preferences to provide the caregiver with a basis of understanding of the child's needs.
4. Ample notice if there will be a change in care so that the provider may fill the vacant spot with another child.
5. Fulfill agreed upon pick-up and drop-off times. Honor payment dates and bring supplies (diapers, formula, change of clothes) before the provider runs out.
6. When a child is sick, parents need to be honest with the provider to avoid spreading germs to other children in care. Parents also should inform the provider if the child did not eat breakfast or did not sleep well the night before.
7. Parents should be assured, not threatened when the child develops an attachment to the child care provider. This is an indication that the child feels safe and loved in the care setting and allows the parent to feel confident the child will be in good hands. It also shows that the child trusts that the parent will return.

Just as the parent’s screening process has several steps, so does the provider’s.

Step One: Telephone Screening

During the telephone screening process, narrow down the field of potential clients with a few general questions and comments:

• How old is the child?
• What type of care are you seeking: full or part-time, temporary or long-term?
• Give location, hours and fees.
• Briefly describe your services. Keep description brief, as you want parents to come and see your child care operation first hand. You have worked hard to set up your facility. Take pride in what you have to offer.
• If you don’t have an opening for the caller’s child, do everything you can to refer him/her to another facility or an appropriate referral agency. The parents will remember your helpfulness and may call on you later for care.
• If, on the other hand, you do have an opening that might fit their needs, invite them out for an on-site visit. At some point you will want them to come with their child during child care hours. For now, encourage them to make this first visit during off hours and without their child. It will be much easier for you to talk without having six or seven other children demanding your attention. While you want to be as flexible as possible, you also need a certain amount of down time. Keep set hours for interviews, so that you can get the necessary rest and relaxation you need. An hour after closing during the week or two hours on a Saturday morning will give you a chance to collect yourself after a hectic day or week.

When the parents arrive for the initial interview, present yourself in a professional manner. Dress professionally and greet the parents with a smile. Always introduce yourself and extend a warm welcome. Give all of your attention to the interview. Take messages if the telephone rings. Don’t run back and forth cooking dinner, doing laundry, etc. If you have small children of your own, try to get them to play in the room with you so that you don’t have to continually leave the interview.

Give the parents a tour of all areas of the house used for day care, including outside playground, sleeping, eating and play areas. Tell them about the services you provide and all day care policies. Invite them to look around all day care areas and to ask any questions.

During the interview process, look at the parents while they are speaking. This makes for more personal contact and shows a sincere interest in what they have to say. Make sure all of their questions have been answered fully. Once all of their questions have been answered, be prepared with a list of your own questions (see sidebar). Make notes if necessary, but don’t spend too much time writing during the interview. You want to give all of your attention to the conversation. Spend ten minutes immediately following the interview to make notes while impressions are still fresh in your mind. At the end of this visit, send the parents away with a handbook of your policies, a copy of your contract, sample copies of activity and meal schedules, a list of references to call and a registration form.

If all agree, invite the parents to stop by during day care hours with their child. Remind them that you will be happy to answer questions during this visit, but to please understand that you will also be caring for children during this time.

Step Three: Return Home Visit

When the prospective clients arrive for the follow-up visit, finish up whatever activity you are engaged in and encourage some free play time. This will give you the chance to watch how the children interact with each other, and you will be free to interact with the visiting child. This will also make it a little easier to answer additional parent questions.

At the end of the visit, encourage parents to call with any further questions. Try to avoid signing them up on the spot. You want them to give this a lot of thought and you should review your own notes. Everyone wants this to work long-term.

If you don’t feel you can accommodate the needs and expectations of the parents and the child, don’t be afraid to refer them for other care.

If all parties feel it is a fit, welcome your new clients. Be sure to have them complete all necessary contracts, health forms and other required paperwork before the first day of care.