Below is a list of questions that can be considered, and will help you, perhaps develop questions for your interview that you may not have thought of yet but could definitely affect your child.

Is the Daycare registered or unregistered? This question should be asked up front.

If she is registered, why did she choose to be? For the benefits? To be able to bill the state? Or was it for the security it would engender in the parents searching for child care? If she is not registered, why not? Are her policies in agreement with the state’s requirements anyway? What are your reasons for wanting a registered child care provider? Are you considering seeking child care assistance? If so, your provider will probably have to be registered with the state. If not, does it really matter to you if your provider is registered or not? Discuss your questions and concerns with her. What in her opinion are the benefits of being registered or unregistered. Is she comfortable with your questions? Do you like her answers? Do you feel comfortable with her answers?

Is the Daycare child ready? Are the outlets covered? Sharp corners on table edges? Are there exposed electric cords? Tacks, pins, paper clips, money out on the floor or in reach of little hands?

Bath and Washroom? How often does the provider clean the bathroom? Is it accessible to infants? What is her bathroom door policy? Is it left open, or closed on a normal basis?

What are her potty training policies?

Play Area and Toys? Are the toys clean and in good shape? Outside toys should be "kid safe". Does the provider have any ride on toys, a swing? Are there playground rules that the children are informed of and guidance maintained. Fenced in yard? If not, are the children supervised while they are out side?

Sleeping Areas? Are the cribs one child only, or do the infants share a crib? What are the sleeping arrangements for the older children? Mats? Blankets, and pillows? How often are they cleaned and with what? ( Bleach is an excellent disinfectant. )

Medicine and Prescription Policy? What is your new provider’s policies about this subject? You should know this.

Fire Plan? What if any are the fire escape arrangements? Does she have mock fire drills so the children are familiar with the plans?

Vacations and Sick time? What are the policies of your daycare if you go on vacation? What are the policies of the daycare when she goes on vacation? How much notice do you need to give each other? What are the policies of your daycare provider if she gets sick and can’t watch your children for a day or two? Do you need to arrange for a back up child care provider on your own?

Discipline? What kind of discipline does your provider use? What kind of discipline do you use? Are they similar? What kind of discipline are you expecting from your provider?

This should definitely be discussed, and your child should know what to expect too.

Biting Policies, Pacifiers, and Bottles? What policies does the child care provider have regarding biting? Does she isolate the biter? Time out? How many times can the biter bite and still be allowed to stay in the daycare setting? Pacifiers...are there children walking around with them in their mouths? Yes? What if another child takes the pacifier and sticks it in their mouth? Bottles? Same question. What do you want to have happen in these situations? Can you develop a workable solution you are both comfortable with?

The most important thing you can do for your child is establish good communication between your child care provider and yourself. When your child knows that you trust your provider and that she trusts you too, your child will feel safe and secure.

Always listen to your child. Hear what she has to tell you. And know that sometimes your child will want more of your attention. So always keep the communication lines open with your provider and let her know immediately about any concerns you may be having. There is a good chance she has them too, or that she may know what is bothering your child, and be wanting a chance to talk to you about it as well.