What questions do you ask when hiring a nanny?

Answer 1

Try to check for criminal history check and/or child abuse and neglect clearance. A few require minimal training in health and safety.

Adult to Child Ratio: Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer the children for each adult, the better for your child. You want your child to get plenty of attention. The younger your child, the more important this is. Babies need an adult to child ratio of no more than 1:4 (one adult for four infants), while four-year-olds can do well with a ratio of 1:10 (one adult for ten children).
Group Size: Find out how many children are in the group. The smaller the group, the better. Imagine a group of 25 two-yearolds with five adults, compared to a group of 10 with two adults. Both groups have the same adult to child ratio. Which would be calmer and safer? Which would be more like a family?
Caregiver Qualifications: Ask about the caregivers’ training and education. Caregivers with degrees and/or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn. Are the caregivers involved in activities to improve their skills? Do they attend classes and workshops?
Turnover: Check how long caregivers have been at the center or providing care in their homes. It's best if child stay with the same caregiver at least a year. Caregivers who come and go make it hard on your child. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and energy that could be spent on learning new things.
Accreditation: Find out if the child care provider has been accredited by a national organization. Providers that are accredited have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements.The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) are the two largest organizations that accredit child care programs.
4. Make a Choice


Do the caregivers/teachers seem to really like children?
Do the caregivers/teachers get down on each child's level to speak to the child?
Are children greeted when they arrive?
Are children's needs quickly met even when things get busy?
Are the caregivers/teachers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood education?
Are the caregivers/teachers involved in continuing education programs?
Does the program keep up with children's changing interests?
Will the caregivers/teachers always be ready to answer your questions?
Will the caregivers/teachers tell you what your child is doing every day?
Are parents' ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
Do the caregivers/teachers and children enjoy being together?
Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask local experts about the best staff/child ratios for different age groups.)
Are caregivers/teachers trained and experienced?
Have they participated in early childhood development classes?

SETTING
Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment? Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times?
Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play? Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?

ACTIVITIES
Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time?
Are the activities right for each age group?
Are there enough toys and learning materials for the number of children?
Are toys clean, safe and within reach of the children?

IN GENERAL
Do you agree with the discipline practices?
Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
Are children comforted when needed?
Is the program licensed or regulated?
Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
Will your child be happy there?




EVALUATING A PROVIDER

Answer 2

Ask them about their discipline styles
Give them situations that might come up with your child and ask them how they would handle it.
Ask them about their experience, schooling, etc.
Ask them if they are willing to get a criminal background check and/or drug test.
Ask them if they are certified in CPR/First Aid

Answer 3

Is there any reason why you would fail a background check! Are you on the state list for child abuse! Please give me at least 5 references that you have worked for, not personal references.

Answer 4

Something about the pay.
If they are trustworthy.
previous jobs.