Request to see the child at the first meeting

[Play and Learn]

I might be one of the few that do this, but I only do interviews during the day as I have a dance school in the evenings. The other 2 evenings and weekends are MY family time, so I am NOT interviewing then (and all the toys go away).

All my parents don't mind, as that's how they came for the interview as well. Children have that 6th sense, and can feel when the family will or will not work - it's worked for me in the past.

This is why I do a PHONE interview first

I do this, as well as emailing back and forth. Having them read my manual BEFORE coming to the interview. They don't like it, I don't invite them to my home. It's simple as that!

As I said before, the child MUST come with the parent(s), otherwise it's a waste of MY time and energy. I like to see how the parent(s) interact with the child, and see how my daycare kids interact with the child coming (especially if older).

[jec]

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.

[clep]

I require anyone living in their home to be present for the meet and greet. I need to see the dynamics between all family members. If they cannot make it, they cannot come here.