As a parent, have you interviewed a child care provider only to be disappointed with some aspect of them or their home? Do you know what to look for? Would you be interested in knowing the reasons why other parents have given for not choosing a specific child care provider's home?

Here is a list of reasons some parents have given for not choosing a specific home. Parents can use this as a check list to help you to see if a potential provider meets your expectations.

______ The provider seems more interested in the money rather than the children.

______ The children are not offered a wide variety of activities and/or toys.

______ The house or yard is poorly maintained and/or cluttered.

______ The provider cares for too many children.

______ The home smells of cigarette smoke.

______ The provider does not present her/himself in a professional manner.

______ The home does not have adequate napping space/equipment.

______ Pets are not properly restrained and/or controlled.

______ The provider has as unfriendly telephone manner.

______ The provider carried on a phone conversation with children crying in the background.

______ The provider lives near a busy street and does not have a fenced yard.

______ The provider uses inappropriate language around the children.

______ Broken toys or other dangerous items are laying around.

______ The cleanliness of the provider and the children in her care does not meet standards of the parent.

______ The provider does not acknowledge the children during the interview.

______ The inside of the home is dark or dreary. children are not allowed on the furniture.

______ The contract and policies are not professionally written.

______ The children are left unattended outside.

______ Toys are not visible during the interview.

______ The provider has too many rules for young children.

______ The provider seems inflexible with behavioral management techniques, potty training schedule, napping schedule, etc.

______ The parents are not allowed to make unannounced visits during child care hours.

______ Other kids in the providers care are dirty during interview.

______ The provider's family does not seem supportive of her child care business.