I am interviewing a babysitter tonight, what questions should I ask...?

Question

Also, is it to much to ask for a copy of the persons drivers liscense?

The person is not a teenager, they are in their mid 20's...

Answer 1

I have a list that we ask our babysitters.

1. Have you ever been arrested for theft or drugs?
(whether or not they were convicted i don't care. wrong place wrong time could mean they hang out with undesirable people.)

2. Are you comfortable being video taped as I have nanny cams in very secret locations?

3. May I have a list of references from the last 3 people or families you babysat for?

4. Are you CPR certified?

5. Are you current on your vacinations?

Because of the patriot act and because it is illegal to hire someone who is not a citizen without a work permit/visa or legal alien status you can ask for ID and social security cards. Do not hesitate to go to the police department and say I am considering hiring this person to watch my children can you tell me if they have ever been arrested. You can also go to the county courthouse or hall of records and ask if there is an outstanding case against a person. Public records are easily obtained. You can also pay a company to do a background check on someone.

It is worth it to ask difficult questions. You can get a little personal because this person will be caring for your children.

Also ask them if they have a handgun or a permit for a concealed weapon and ask if they have plans on carrying it in a purse or bag that will be brought to work with them?

Consider the worst case senerios and ask questions accordingly. There are a lot of freaks in this world.

Answer 2

Interview them tonight. If you like them as a person and get a good feeling about them, there are more steps to take.

Ask her/him to go to the DMV and get proof that their driving record is clean. You can tell a great deal about a person if they've had DUI's or have a suspended license. They need to bring that DMV print out to you.

Next you ask them to go to the local Police Department and have a search performed at the records department that shows if they have has any interactions with the police. It's usually around $5 to get a print out that indicates if they have ever been arrested or if they are chronic 911 callers or flashers. You want to know about that.

Do they know CPR? Do they have a certificate for that? Do they have two good references for you can call?

It's better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 3

All questions in interviewing should be open ended. No questions where they can answer simply yes or no.
Sample Questions:

Tell me about your experiences with children?


What do you find to be most stressful when taking care of a child?


Why do you feel it is important to inform the parents of changes is sleep and dietary habits?


Also, write down responses, after numerous minutes and much discussion reask a question by rephrasing, compare their answers.

Hire no one you have doubts about.

Call references and send a thank you card with a small gift card, even a few dollars to McD's along with your name and phone number asking the to call you collect if they remember anything else that you should know.

Answer 4

It's not too much to ask for a license, as a matter of fact, in this day and age you would be crazy not to.

Do they live on their own or with their parents while they go to college?

Do they have their own reliable transportation and a back up plan?

Are they CPR or first aid certified?

Why are they babysitting as apposed to a more conventional job with a company?

Does she have any medical issues like seizures etc that they should be aware of?

Does she have any younger brothers or sisters?

Does she have any references?

Keep in mind that any question you have is important, none are crazy. She is ultimately going to be watching over your most prized possessions, you don't want just any crazy watching after them. Good luck.

Answer 5

Ask them if they smoke, drink, do drugs, have a boyfriend, have ever been arrested and what for if yes. Do they get along well with kids? Let your child spend some time with them to see if they are going to get along. Don't just spring the sitter on them. Ask for previous employers and ask if you can contact them. I would definitely get a copy of the drivers license and I would have them checked out through DMV and with the local police dept.

Answer 6

i'm to blame- right this is a few references (have some adults that be attentive to you fairly nicely, that ought to assert some good issues approximately your character) be attentive to CPR or tell them you will take a direction asap Ask the place the 1st help kit is saved Ask alot of questions: Will you have substantial numbers published? Are the babies allergic to any meals? What do you anticipate a a techniques as residing house cleansing? i could be keen to do some gentle house household projects, yet of direction the babies might come first. they might ask you what forms of entertainment you may use. EX. enable them to observe television all day? Take them to the park? be attentive to the place you stand on that stuff! For you: you ought to be attentive to what you want to cost. perhaps do somewhat learn and look up what the going cost for babysitters is. dress advantageous for the interview- sloppiness does not get a activity! No physique piercings. those are individuals that are trusting you with their babies! cause them to experience tender around you. Be well mannered, and respectful. you will stick to their regulations and residing house policies in any respect situations. by no skill by no skill have boys over! do no longer even have girlfriends over! Reassure them you won t sit down in front of the television the entire time, or communicate/chat with acquaintances. enable them to be attentive to their young babies are your priority and you would be focusing all your interest on them! that's frightening, as a discern, to have faith somebody with our babies. I enjoyed it while my sitters might do the dishes, or the residing house grew to become into each and every so often purifier as quickly as we've been given residing house, then as quickly as we had left! shall we tell by skill of how nicely the babies enjoyed them too. We fired one, via fact she had a chum come over, (devoid people understanding) Take a babysitting classification- community firestations each and every so often have them. What might you do in an emergency? Are there sturdy associates that ought to help if mandatory?

Answer 7

well, you'll likely never get a straight answer from a 16 year old girl and personally, i don't think there is any reason to scare a good candidate away by making her feel nervous..

just talk to her about school, experience she's had with kids, what her parents were like, and her social life, hours available, and if she will cook, clean, etc. if your kids are old enough to talk, they'll let ya know if she's no good when she starts - eg, personallity. as long as she's no idiot, she should be able to keep your kids alive no problem.. but have a conversation with her first, just to make sure.

Answer 8

It's not too much to ask for a copy of their license; it's gives you a guarantee and assurance that you know who you're leaving your child with...

Also, ask them for one or two written references from previous employers- and check with them (employers).

To be on the safer side, also check with the police if the babysitter has any criminal/civil problems etc.

Answer 9

copy the id just to make sure they aren't registered with the police, Do you smoke, Do you curse a lot, previous expierence, do they know CPR?, Refrences, How old have the children been that you babysat for before, Age, School life are they active and responsible with their schooling, ask when they would be available and how late they can sit for, ask about how much they expect to be paid, and ask if they have any questions for you.

Answer 10

If you go to a local nursery you can ask there for a babysitter as they should all be CRB checked and have a good knowledge of how to look after a child.