When they arrive they automatically see the bulletin board at the door with seasonal display, sign in form and any notes about the week. I then point out the storage cubbies in the cupboard while they take off coats/shoes.

We then take the tour which goes in a circle so diningroom which is our upstairs playroom, can see backyard from the window, then kitchen, then where I change diapers then we go downstairs to the playroom. At each spot I do a bit of talking about what we do there, in kitchen saying what I provide, etc. Then going downstairs I send them first so they are usually very impressed with the set up. They usually ask a few questions about the setup and I add a few comments of my own pointing out certain centres as it speaks to what we can do all day.

Then I invite them to put the baby down to play (gives me a great idea of how uptight they are). Then if they have come clipboard and questions in hand I let them start but then as soon as possible take back control and turn it more into a conversation than a question and answer session. It makes it more relaxed and friendly. My first question is "tell me about the kind of care you are looking for?" This usually elicits either a flood of must have demands or shows that they are just starting the process and overwhelmed. I can then gear the discussion accordingly. Hours and days have been established before interview stage so at this point it is just the environment and if we can work together.

I have a package of info for them to take home which I show them but don't go over line by line. In reality what we have is pretty standard house to house so my time is spent selling them on me. I do ask them to look over the info and to please contact me with anything they do not understand or that needs more clarification.

I then have a binder of letters from parents, cards I have gotten, a few pictures, some other info about me - a version of a portfolio but not really one. While they are looking at that I try to get down on the floor with the child or turn my attention to the child. I try not to get in the child's face but get some sort of reaction from them.

That is basically it. I then ask them what kind of a timeline they are looking at - elicits information about how many interviews done, still to do, when they are going to make up their minds. And then we go back upstairs, thanked for coming and shown out.