Reference checks are becoming more and more difficult to obtain as many jobs now are limiting the type of information they are willing to give. The state asks us to collect ", documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment or volunteering." However most facilities within the childcare field will only provide dates of hire. 

Over the last few years we have seen an increase in prospects provide co-worker information vs. supervisor information. More often then not its not because the supervisor will give a bad reference, but because the schools policy is to not provide an option and only confirm employment. We are lucky now if we can get "is this person eligible for re-hire" answered.