Tips for interviewing

[SongSparrow]

I have only been doing daycare for 4 years, and have only had to interview once since I did my original group. But this year I have 5 kids (one of my own) leaving for Primary, so I have recently done a few interviews and this is what I have found:
Be prepared with copies of your policies and PRC, First aid certificates, etc. to go over with the parents.
I like to make sure the daycare space is tidy, but not immaculate....that is not how it usually looks so I like to keep things as realistic as possible lol
When parents arrive, introduce yourself and welcome them with a handshake.
I really, really try not to have my own kids home at the time, but sometimes I have to.
I give the parents a tour of the spaces we use for daycare first. then we sit and I go over my policies if they haven't already read them, and answer any questions they have. Once it seems like they''ve finished with their questions I will focus on the child a bit if they''ve brought him/her, and chat with the parents to get a feel of their parenting style.
When I feel like the interview is done I suggest we go outside to see the play space before they leave. This way I can get them moving along without seeming like I'm kicking them out
If I had a good feel about the interview I give them a registration pkg and let them know I'd love to arrange another visit for them to come during daycare hours and meet the other kids. Not everyone likes having parents stay during daycare hours but I get a real feel for what kind of parent they are and I like parents to know exactly what they are getting from me if they sign on. Also, if I liked the family I email them after the interview, thanking them for coming and list my references.
Happily, I have just filled my last space so hopefully no more interviews for a while! Now, onto transitioning new kids for the next month :s