I prescreen the parents either by phone or email and get all the basics out of the way. When the family arrives for an interview I want to have all of them here so I can observe the family dynamic. I guess I take charge right away and give them a tour and explain a lot about the way I have things organized and how I run our daily routines. Then I ask them lots of questions and encourage them to ask me questions. Usually, I've answered most of the questions already when I've talked about the daycare.

I want to remain professional but casual and friendly. It's important to me that the parents realize we will have a business relationship and I save my nurturing, fun side for the children but that we are a team in the job of raising the child. Trust begins forming at the interview and you either feel it or you don't I guess.

I also email all of my paperwork after the interview with my thank you note if I'm interested in the family and don't give out any paper and ink any more until we are signing on the dotted line.