Lorraine Gaboriault, child care referral specialist at The Family Place in Norwich, helps many families connect with child care providers in the Upper Valley.
She said that visiting a provider — not just talking by phone — is essential to getting a feel for whether it will be a good fit for your child.
Whether during an in-person or phone interview, here are questions to ask prospective providers:
■What is the daily routine?
■What do you do in regard to discipline or when a child is having trouble adjusting to the routine?
■Is food provided or are parents responsible? Are there any restrictions on what can be sent?
■What is the sick day policy? For in-home providers, is there backup if the provider is ill?
■What do you like best about your job? Why do you continue doing it?
— Kelly Burch