Reference.

[Daisy123]

I've done both actually. I just ask the parent if I may use them as a reference. Sometimes they offer to type up a letter for me but I never actually hand copies out to the other potential clients. I keep copy of the letter in my interview binder for perusal. If the potentials want to contact the references directly that's fine- I just copy down the number or email for them. If I know that the reference will be contacted though I send them a quick text as a heads up. It's always nice to have a letter though as I've never had an interview where the family didn't want to see it yet I've only ever had 1 family actually call my references directly. Potential clients can go away with an extra good feeling about you from the get go!