Can you tell me more about your background and experience?
	What are some reasons you enjoy taking care of children?
	Do you have children of your own?
	How will my child be transported if you leave the house?
	What are your expectations regarding length of commitment?
	Do you smoke?
	Do you have any health problems?
	Have you had training in first aid?
	What kinds of activities might you plan for my child?
	What are your views on discipline? Meals? Television? Playmates? Other?
	What would you do if . . . ? (Give examples relevant to your situation: medical and personal emergencies, common problems with child.)
	Can you give me several references, preferably from former employers?
	What questions do you have for me?
	May I have a tour of your home?

	How do I feel about this person's answers to my questions?
	What do this person's manner and appearance tell me?
	How does this person interact with my child?
	What do my instincts tell me?

	Is the family day care home licensed?
	Is the licensing permit current?
	What are the payments? When are they due?
	Are there extra charges for such things as meals or transportation?
	Are fees reduced if more than one child enrolls?
	Are deductions offered for periods of absence?
	Is the home convenient?
	When is it open?
	What are admission requirements?
	Do the children seem happy, busy, and relaxed?
	How long does the caregiver plan to care for children?

Does the home have:

	a cheerful, colorful atmosphere?
	ample toys and art materials?
	happy, "constructive" sounds?
	plenty of indoor and outdoor space?
	special areas for quiet and active play?
	safe, creative outdoor play equipment?
	a quiet place for homework?
	places to practice extracurricular skills (sports, music, dance)?

Caregiver:

Does the caregiver:

	welcome my questions and suggestions?
	share my childrearing philosophy?
	take time to share my child's experiences with me?
	seem to enjoy children?
	remain gentle, yet firm? consistent, yet flexible?
	sensitively handle feelings of fear, shyness, upset, and anger?
	respect each child's unique background and interests?
	guide rather than direct behavior?
	really listen and talk to the children?
	seem cheerful, affectionate, and warm?
	have training and experience in child care?
	spend individual time with each child?
	actively play with children, indoors and out?
	emphasize children's strengths and accomplishments?
	cultivate children's natural curiosity?
	handle discipline positively?
	establish and consistently maintain limits?
	have a sense of humor and acceptance?
	seem to be able to give all children quality attention and supervision?
	provide consistent care so my child has a stable, predictable daily routine?

Program:

Do the planned activities help children develop physically by:

	providing daily outdoor activities where children use their whole bodies?
	balancing active, physical activities with quiet, restful ones?
	prohibiting play that could quickly get out of hand?

Do the planned activities help children develop emotionally by:

	encouraging children to express themselves?
	patiently encouraging children to solve problems on their own?
	providing ample opportunities for children to feel good about themselves?
	helping children deal with feelings constructively?
	providing security through a well-defined, predictable schedule of daily activities?
	showing children how to help themselves as much as possible?

Do the planned activities help children develop interpersonally by:

	providing give-and-take opportunities to share toys and equipment?
	balancing individual, small group, and large group activities?
	allowing children to pursue some activities without being disturbed by other youngsters?
	discouraging competitiveness by limiting the number of children participating in a particular activity, providing plenty of toys and materials, and overseeing sharing and turn-taking?

Do the planned activities help children develop creatively and intellectually by:

	encouraging children to use art and play materials in their own way?
	providing plenty of time for children to complete their projects?
	fostering curiosity through opportunities to see new things and try out new ideas?
	nurturing self-expression through art, music, drama, and literature?
	providing plenty of "hands on" learning experiences?
	encouraging self-direction and self-pacing?
	furnishing an environment rich with science materials, books, building equipment, musical instruments, toy and art materials, props for dramatic play, natural materials like sand, water, and clay?
	balancing structured and unstructured activities?
	developing a sense of satisfaction over completing a task or thinking something through?
	designing graduated goals for each child?
	asking children themselves for ideas about programming?
	encouraging language development?

Health and Safety:

	What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
	What are the policies regarding illness? (e.g., Are parents contacted if another child has a contagious disease? Does caregiver have someone to substitute in case she gets sick?)
	Are medical records maintained?
	Is the caregiver trained in first aid?
	Does the home have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?
	Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
	Does my caregiver always know how to get in touch with both parents?
	Does my child receive appropriate supervision?
	Can all doors inside the home be opened from the outside at all times?
	Do all glass doors have decals?
	Are the rooms well ventilated and comfortable year-round?
	Are the bathroom facilities clean and easily accessible to children?
	Are stairways and walkways free from clutter?
	Are dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet?
	Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small throw rugs?
	Is my child safe around pets?
	Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
	Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with carpeting or wood chips?
	Do children get a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine, weather permitting?
	Do children seem safe with one another?
	Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
	Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for my child's level of development?

	Are snacks and meals tasty, attractive, and well balanced?
	Are special diets and ethnic preferences given consideration?
	Is food served in a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere?
	Does the caregiver serve food I want my child to eat?
	Are children allowed to leave food on their plates? (They should never be forced to eat.)
	Are portions small and second helpings available?
	Is the kitchen clean?