Can a potential employer ask about child care in an interview?

Question

In a job interview, can the person hiring ask the person interviewing if they have appropriate child care? Can this be considered for hiring?

I also meant to ask, if this does happen, what does one do about it?

Answer 1

Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask the job candidate. An employer’s questions—whether on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process—must be related to the job being sought. For the employer, the focus must be: “What do I need to know to decide whether this person can perform the functions of this job?”

If asked an illegal question, you have three options:

1. You can answer the question—you’re free to do so, if you wish. However, if you choose to answer an illegal question, remember that you are giving information that isn’t related to the job; in fact, you might be giving the “wrong” answer, which could harm your chances of getting the job.
2. You can refuse to answer the question, which is well within your rights. Unfortunately, depending on how you phrase your refusal, you run the risk of appearing uncooperative or confrontational—hardly words an employer would use to describe the “ideal” candidate.
3. You can examine the question for its intent and respond with an answer as it might apply to the job. For example, the interviewer asks, “Are you a U.S. citizen?” or “What country are you from?” You’ve been asked an illegal question. You could respond, however, with “I am authorized to work in the United States.” Similarly, let’s say the interviewer asks, “Who is going to take care of your children when you have to travel for the job?” You might answer, “I can meet the travel and work schedule that this job requires.”

Here are some illegal questions and their legal counterparts:
http://www.jobweb.com/resources/library/Interviews/Handling_Illegal_46_02.htm

Answer 2

Well if you don't have a daycare provider and must frequently call in because you can't find a sitter then yes they can take that into account. Most employers want their employees to be there everyday that they are scheduled and don't want to have to find someone to replace another person because they don't have proper child care. Yes to both questions you had.

Answer 3

No I work for a huge company and we are not allowed to ask questions like that at all

Answer 4

i think they would want to know that you will be able to work and not have babysitter issues..i have worked with several people who were all the time calling off cause they had no one to watch their children...this makes things hard for everyone

Answer 5

well only if your applying to be a child care worker---hah...but no they cant ask you anything about your personal life---- just about your ability to perform the job

Answer 6

yes, they legally are allowed to ask that or any other question that might prevent you from doing your job.And believe it or not childcare fits in to that

Answer 7

No - could bring up discrimination issues.