Questions to Parents

Question--I want to take care of a 2-3 year toddler occasionally to help out a young mom who just had a baby. What questions should I ask about her little boy so that I can provide the best experience for him. I have two grown boys, so it has been a while since spending time with small ones. They are not strangers to me but I still would feel better if I had a general list I could give the mom.

Answer--Below is an example of an intake sheet that has some of the questions you should ask.

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Division of Early Care and Education

INTAKE FOR CHILD UNDER 2 YEARS – CHILD CARE CENTERS
First Day of Attendance (mm/dd/yyyy)
PARENT / CHILD NAME AND ADDRESS
Name – Child (Last, First, MI)
Nickname (If any)

Birthdate (mm/dd/yyyy)
Name – Parent(s) (Last, First, MI)
Telephone Number – Home
Address – Parent(s) (Street, City, State, Zip Code)
HEALTH Note: Health conditions that may affect the care of the child must be recorded on the department’s form, Health History and
Emergency Care Plan. The form should be shared with any person who provides care for the child.
Child has frequent colds, ear infections, colic, etc. – Describe.

MEALS
Current feeding schedule
Length of time on current schedule
Food type
Formula Strained Junior Table Milk type – Specify:
New food timetable
When eating, child is –
Held in lap In highchair Other – Specify:
Feeds self
Yes No If "Yes", uses: Spoon Fork Hands
Special feeding problems
Yes No If "Yes" – Specify:
Food allergies
Yes No If "Yes" – Specify:
Favorite foods – Specify.
Refused foods – Specify.
SLEEP
Current sleep schedule
Length of time on current schedule
Falls asleep easily
Yes No
Mood upon awakening – Describe.

Takes favorite toy(s) to bed – child over age 1 year
Yes No If "Yes" – list toy(s):
Sleep position – child under age 1 year
Note: Children under age 1 year must be placed to sleep on their back unless a written statement from the child's physician is attached.
Back for children under age 1 year Side or stomach (physician statement attached)
Sleep position – child over age 1 year
Back Side or stomach
UPDATES
DIAPERING / TOILETING
Diaper – type
Cloth Disposable
Diapers provided by parent
Yes No
Plastic pants used
Always Never Sometimes If "Sometimes" – Specify:
Highly sensitive skin
Yes No
Frequent diaper rash
Yes No
Lotions, powders or salves used
Yes No If "Yes", product name(s) – Specify:
Toilet training attempted
Yes No If "Yes", describe routine.
Type of toilet seat used at home
Potty chair Special toilet seat Regular toilet seat
Regular bowel movements
Yes No How often.
Time(s) of day:
Toileting problems
Yes No If "Yes" – Describe.
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Family speaks what language – Specify.
English Other If "Other" – Specify:
Age child began talking
Child speaks in
Words Sentences
Words used to describe special needs – Specify.
UPDATES
COMFORTING
Does child have a fussy time?
Yes No If "Yes" – Specify time.
How is fussy time handled?
Child likes to be:
Held Sung to Rocked Read to Other – Specify:
Special things you say or do to comfort child.
SELF-EXPRESSION
What causes your child to feel angry or frustrated?
What frightens your child and how is it shown?
How does your child express feelings of happiness, enjoyment, etc.?
Additional comments
PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Is your child able to – (Check all that apply)
Sit up alone Pull up Crawl Walk holding on Walk without support
Yes No Is your child used to playmates?
MISCELLANEOUS
Child's indoor favorite toys and activities – Specify.
Child's outdoor favorite toys and activities – Specify.
By providing complete information about your child, you will be assisting staff in creating a positive experience for him / her while in care. List
any information about your child's habits, abilities or personality that you feel will be helpful to the staff while caring for your child.
SIGNATURE – Parent or Guardian Date Signed