Initial Interview happening!!!

mbarilla · #1 11-03-2009, 04:06 PM

Phew...we finally got a call back after almost 2 weeks from our Open House! Then we played phone tag for 5 days and finally today she got a hold of my husband and we have out first initial interview at our house on Monday. I guess she's gonna look around and check things out. Not sure what else. Any advice or suggestions or information on what will happen or things I should ask on Monday?

Thanks guys!!

just-breathe · #2 11-03-2009, 05:23 PM

At our initial visit, we went over a bunch of paperwork. She explained the process of licensing to us, and gave us a list of all of the paperwork she would need copies of so we could have that gathered and ready for her the next time she came out. She then walked through our house so she could let us know what we would need to do to our home to meet regulations/laws. For example, we had one smoke detector right outside the bedrooms, but we had to have one IN each bedroom.

We were a lot more intimidated by the whole process than we needed to be. One thing I read here somewhere is:

they WANT to approve you!

They aren't there to find things wrong with your house or you so they can deny you a license. They are there to help you make your home as safe as possible, and find out about you so they can make sure you are the right fit for the child(ren) they want to place with you. They don't want to set you up to fail by placing you with a child that has exhibited cruelty to animals if you have pets. That's just bad for everyone involved, especially the child. They don't want to put them somewhere that is not the right place for their needs. You may not be right for one child but be PERFECT for another.

And as weird as it sounds to me to say this: ENJOY the process. I look back now and realize how much I loved the licensing process because I felt like we were doing something constructive towards our goal. After licensing, when you sit and wait for a call for a placement... THAT is what makes you crazy.

mbarilla · #3 11-03-2009, 07:30 PM

Thanks SO much!! I am truly enjoying this and very excited! I am just not good at waiting but I know that waiting a LONG time is often part of the process...Thanks again!

chloroxsis · #4 11-03-2009, 08:41 PM

When I had my first visit, they walked around and gave me ideas on what my pluses were and what I needed to do. They filled out some form. I asked for advice for the child's room, and they told me what I needed to be licensed for one child or for two children. It was casual. She made notes and then checked to make sure I had made the changes when she returned.

So I had to lock medications, put my detergent and paint in the basement up six feet. That's all I really remember. It was easy.

On that patience thing...find some. It is a very trying process. Don't make the mistake I made and get too excited with small early steps because it is really frustrating later!

Good luck!!!

mbarilla · #5 11-04-2009, 03:30 PM

Oooh too late! I am already excited about the small steps! I will just ride along with the process and see how it goes. My husband has made some changes already and we are gonna work on lots of stuff this weekend we think should be fixed but all in all I think we are in pretty good shape!

chloroxsis · #6 11-04-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbarilla

Oooh too late! I am already excited about the small steps!

I totally understand. I wouldn't be able to not be excited either.

mbarilla · #7 11-04-2009, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the advice!!

Sosaweet · #8 11-10-2009, 07:12 AM

Mbarilla, how did it go? I have my first home interview on Friday and I'm in CT also so would like to hear!

DannieAS · #9 11-10-2009, 10:45 AM

hee hee, I was excited like you about the small things leading up to being fully licensed and homestudy approved. But now I've been waiting and it's hard, so enjoy this time...you'll look back with fondness on this time....trust me

mbarilla · #10 11-10-2009, 02:34 PM

Ok so my home interview went GREAT!! She was very nice and answered a bazillion questions!! We just have to get 2 more smoke detectors and a baby gate for our deck...nothing big! We answered her questions and they did our background check. We were supposed to start our PRIDE classes this Sat from 9-4 but it got cancelled (low enrollment) BUMMER!! So she is sending me other times and dates of classes being held in other counties within CT. Sucks though, cause if we go to her classes, they can do our home study simultaneously....but not if we do classes elsewhere....they'll do it after the classes are finished. Oh well!

joskimo · #11 11-10-2009, 03:09 PM

I have to just say, I love my licensing specialists - they are just great and huge allies. They are the only people in the state process really looking out for you - the others are really focusing on the kids.

mbarilla · #12 11-10-2009, 03:53 PM

Yeah I agree they have been great!

chloroxsis · #13 11-10-2009, 05:27 PM

Sounds informative Mbarilla! Another checkmark!

mbarilla · #14 11-10-2009, 06:58 PM

Hopefully I will stop being so anxious!! I can't help it!!! lol

amelie38 · #15 11-10-2009, 08:50 PM

I am smiling as I write this, as I can totally understand. We are off to our 7th Pride class (out of 10) this week. We have a home visit next week (will be cleaning for the next 6 days). And best of all, we HAD to buy a crib the other day, so that we could get that box ticked.
It is too late for me too. Each step is exciting because it is one step closer. So far it has all been good.

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