What I have learned from my daycare search....

[Judy Trickett]

Marie............

I must say, you are a gem. Seriously, you are. I find there are many parents who really don't understand what it is to be a daycare provider and often times, have unrealistic expectations that NO person, provider or otherwise, could meet given the responsibilities of this job and the care and concern of multiple children.

You are bang on in your advice (with the exception of giving contracts before the interview).
The reason most providers will not give out contracts before hand is that there ARE start up providers who are not professional who will pose as a parent to get a free contract that they, themselves will not put the work into and create. Sad, but true.

And, Marie, if you know anything about me, telling you that you are a true gem of a daycare parent is a big thing.

Your daycare provider is lucky to have you.