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Step 4: Important Questions to Ask
General Questions to Ask Any Caregiver
Hours of Care:
- What are the hours? What is the policy for late pick-ups? Is there a fee?
- What happens when your child is sick? Is s/he required to stay home? Are you still required to pay?
- What happens if your child becomes sick while in care? Does the caregiver have a valid first aid certificate and/or medical training?
- What happens when you are on vacation? Do you still have to pay?
- What happens when the caregiver takes a vacation? Is there alternate care available? Do you still have to pay?
Costs and Subsidies:
- What is the cost? Is a fee subsidy available? Is there a separate registration fee?
- Are there receipts for income tax purposes?
- What does the caregiver provide or supply as part of the fee (e.g. food, diapers, etc.)? Are there any additional costs besides fees (e.g. special trips, outings)?
- What is the method of payment (weekly/monthly, cash/cheque/pre-authorized payment)?
- Is there a discount for additional siblings in care?
Program Philosophy and Activities:
- Are parents welcome to visit at any time? Are there times when parents are able to meet with the caregiver (e.g. to discuss their child's progress, behaviour, illness)? Are there some other parents I can call for a reference?
- What kinds of activities occur in a typical day? How do parents have input regarding daily routines? What are the number and ages of the other children? Are there separate activities for different age ranges?
- How much time is allowed for TV/movies/video games?
- Are there any pets? If so, have they been inoculated against rabies?
- Are parents encouraged to get involved?
- If a child is hurt at the setting, what is the procedure?
- Will medication be given to children if prescribed by a Doctor? What if there isn't a prescription? Can over the counter medicine be administered? How is this medication stored and administered?
Staff/Caregiver Qualifications and Consistency:
- Are there written policies and procedures?
- How experienced and what training does the staff/caregiver have?
- What is the turnover rate?
- Is the staff/caregiver willing to work or meet with other professionals who
- are involved with the child (e.g. Special Needs)?
- Does the staff/caregiver respond to the children's needs quickly?
- Will the staff/caregiver or someone else be transporting the children (e.g. by car, van)? Do they have the required driver's licence and insurance?
- Does the car seat meet all Transport Canada Safety Standards? Is it correctly installed?
- Who else will have contact with my child?
Questions Specific to Licensed Centres:
- Are there students or other adults working or volunteering in the program? If yes, who are they? What responsibilities do they have? How long and how often are they at the centre? Can you meet them?
- How long will my child be expected to sleep? What if my child does not sleep?
- Are there any further policies or procedures that parents need to understand and comply with that I haven't asked about (e.g. behaviour management)?
Questions Specific to Home Based Care:
- Are there any smokers in the home?
- Are there other people in the home (e.g. teenagers, adults, borders, relatives)? If yes, ask to meet them to determine if you and your child are comfortable with them.
- What happens when the caregiver is sick or takes a vacation? Will someone else care for the children on occasion? Can you meet them?
- Do all people who are usually in the home have criminal reference checks? Can you see the originals?
Questions to Ask Yourself After the Visit:
- Would you feel comfortable leaving your child there? Would you feel comfortable expressing your feelings and concerns to the caregiver?
- Can you comply with all of the policies and procedures? Will your values be respected?
- Do the other children seem happy and involved? Are your child's needs going to be met?
- Have you checked with other families who have used this caregiver?
- Is the location convenient?
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