Unlicensed Home-Based Child Care: Interview Questions to Help You Find the Right Child Care Provider

Here’s how they differ: Unlicensed child care doesn’t have the same rules and inspection requirements as licensed child care. They aren’t regularly checked, don’t have to follow most provincial/territorial standards, and can only care for a limited number of children. Home-based child care, which is generally unlicensed, is still a vital and flexible option and may suit your family’s needs. For additional information on home-based child care, read this tip sheet.

Part 1:  Guiding questions to ask during the initial interview 

Conducting an initial interview can save you a lot of time. It’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure your child(ren)’s safety and well-being. As a family, develop questions that directly address your specific needs and use the following ones as a starting point. If the answers don’t fit your family’s needs or values, you may want to choose another provider.

1. Have you cared for children in any capacity, either formally or informally? Please describe.
2. Do you have any certifications or training, such as Early Childhood Education, First Aid or CPR? 
3. Do you have a current vulnerable sector check?
4. Could you provide references from families whose children you’ve cared for? 
5. Have you cared for a child who requires accommodations, such as sign language, visual support, or a walker? My child needs [insert your child’s accommodation requirement], so I'd like to know more about your experience.
6. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind of pets? Do they interact with the children in your care?
7. Will anyone else be in your home during child care hours? If so, what’s their relationship to you, and will they interact with my child?
8. How do you ensure the safety and cleanliness of your home/child care space? How do you store hazardous materials?
9. Is your home smoke free?
10. What do you do if a child becomes ill during care? 
11. How do you communicate with parents/guardians about their child(ren)’s activities, behaviour, or if there are incidents? 
12. What are your fees? Do you provide a written contract outlining payment terms and care details?  Are there any additional costs, such as for late pick up?  Do you provide tax receipts?

Part 2:  Guiding questions to ask when visiting an unlicensed home-based child care site

If you’re happy with how the initial interview went, it’s recommended that you follow up with a site visit. During the visit you can ask follow up questions as well as see the environment to determine if it’s child friendly, comfortable, and safe.

1. Do you have a parent handbook?
2. How many children are in your care? What are their ages?
3. What kind of experience do you have with [insert your child’s age] age group. 
4. What safety protocols do you follow, such as fire drills or emergency evacuation plans? 
   1. How will you adapt these protocols to support my child (e.g., consider age, need)?
   2. Do you have a detailed emergency plan?
   3. Do you have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher?
5. How do you manage challenging behaviours or emotional difficulties? 
6. How do you communicate with parents/guardians about their child’s progress and development, or if the care arrangement is not working?
7. Are you open to feedback and regular check-ins?
8. Describe a child’s typical day in your program. 
9. Do you provide meals and/or snacks? 
   1. If so, what are some typical meals and snacks?
   2. How will you accommodate my child’s allergies or special dietary needs? [Ask if your child has dietary requirements]

Once you’ve asked all your questions and visited the child care site, review the answers and your notes carefully before deciding one way or another. And remember that your instinct can also help you decide.