Interviewing with Parents
Taken from the National Network for Child Care's Connections Newsletter
Nancy F. Morse, M.A.
Instructor
Human Development and Family Studies
Parkland College, Champaign, Illinois
Interviews help you and the parents decide if you and your philosophy are right for the child. Each child is unique. Each family is unique. Each child carer is unique. Children do best in situations in which the philosophy of the carer and the views of parents are similar. And the child care program will work best if what you offer is compatible with what the parents need and expect. Here are some ideas for conducting a successful interview.
Pick a Good Time
Schedule the interview so that both the parent and the child can come. Also, pick a time when you will be able to concentrate on the interview.
Before the Interview
Make a list of the information you want to share. Talk about your hours and fees, the ages and number of children in your care, meal procedures, what the children will do during the day, your approach to discipline, and your goals for children. It helps to have your policies written down that you can give them to the parents.
Make a list of the information you want to find out. You will want to know the hours care is needed, what the parents expect of you, their views on bringing up children, their approach to discipline and the types of activities they would like for their child. You will also want to observe how the child reacts to you. This is why it is important to have the child along.
During the Interview
Make the child comfortable with an appropriate activity. The child will probably want to remain close to the parent while you talk.
Start Informally
Talk a bit about yourself and the care you provide. Find out a bit about the child and his family. You may want to ask things such as how old the child is, if he has any brothers or sisters, and whether they attend a school or playgroup.
Exchange Information
Talk about your policies and your contract, your philosophy, and the forms parents will need to sign. Encourage the parent to talk about his needs and expectations. Have an honest discussion. Don't try to convince parents that your methods are best or bend your convictions in order to go along with their ideas. Be sure to listen carefully to the parents questions and answer them honestly.
Go on a Tour
Show the parent around all parts the children will have access to. This is also a good time to observe how the child reacts to your home. You may want to allow some time for the child to play in the room they would spend most time in.
Allow time for reflection. At the end of the interview, arrange to meet again to clarify any questions that may come up after the interview, or arrange to talk again by phone. Then hopefully the parents will be ready to make a final decision.
Set up a Trial Period
It is often a good idea to start new children on a trial basis for a few weeks. This will make it easier for either you or the parent to end the arrangement if it is not working out well.
Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Morse, N.F. (1992). Interviewing parents. In Todd, C.M. (Ed.), *Day care center connections*, 1(6), pp. 4-5. Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.
