Questions to ask Childcare provider????

Hello,

We are meeting with a potential childcare provider this evening.  This is all new territory for me, so I am thinking of questions to ask her.  She has great recommendations from a couple of my coworkers that have used here for several years, so that brings some comfort level.

Any suggestions on what I should ask her during the interview?

Thanks,

Hours of operation
If they require your child be dropped off/picked up close to the same time daily
Is there anyone else that covers for when your primary provider is ill
Vacation or days off - do you still have to pay
do they allow vacation time off for your child where you dont have to pay
Do they provide meals/snacks....what ages?
What items supplies do you need to bring/ what do they supply
Field trips (?) will your child be riding in the providers vehicle for any other reason than emergency


Home daycare is great for infants and children not yet walking. DD#1 is going to be 2 in April and I want to move her (in my opinion to much TV) and not enough "learning". But DD#2 is only 5 months old so I am waiting a bit longer. I am all about educational and getting to play outside. Thats another thing with my current, they dont go outside enough. I never had these thoughts until recently. Try and pick a provider you will want for a while.

Thanks!  Good questions.  I was able to come up with a good solid list. 

One time I was interviewing for an infant room teacher and was asked how would I discipline a child between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months. I let them know you do not and that I could not believe they were asking that. I got the job. I was told many gave responses of what to do.

Thanks, Emily.  I do have a question about her discipline policy.  I can't believe that people actually had a discipline method for a child that young.  It will be interesting to hear what she says.