I don't need the child to come for a first interview. There are a lot of home daycare's out there and most parents want to meet the provider first to feel it they are a fit for their family/values and check out the playroom and or space their child will be staying. Most do a lot of interviews and narrow down their choices.
I would never have a child start without meeting them first either. I've had second interviews where the child has come after the parents met with first. I've also met one little dude who I felt was not a fit and advised them that the spot had been filled. The interview process is for you as well and I would make sure both the parents and the little one would fit into your daycare.