I need Child Care...What questions should I ask?

Question

I'm desperate and looking in the paper for a babysitter which scares me to death and I'm very picky but I don't want to go to a daycare and I have no other options. I have to call around today so what are some good questions I should ask them?

Answer 1

I also have a daughter and I do not blame you! It is very scary to leave your child with strangers! Your child is like your everything! It is good that you are preparing questions beforehand. Make sure you ask for references. I found this on-line. Hopefully it helps you out.

- Why do you want to work with children?

- Do you have any formal childcare training?

- What experience do you have working with children?

- Have you cared for more than one child at a time?

- How old have the other children you’ve cared for been?

- How long have you cared for children?

- What kinds of things do you like to do with the children?

- What would an average day be like if you were taking care of my child(ren)?

- How do you handle challenging situations?

- Describe an emergency situation and how you responded to it.

- (if appropriate) How would you handle a crying baby?

- (if appropriate) What is your toilet training philosophy?

- What kinds of educational activities would you do with my children?

- What is your approach to discipline?

- Do you like to read with children?

- What is your favorite children’s book?

- What do you think are your greatest strengths?

- What do you think are your greatest weaknesses?

- Describe your greatest success in childcare.

- Describe a situation in childcare where you could have done better?

- Do you feel you can meet the requirements of the job?

- Do you have First Aid and/or CPR training?

- Do you smoke?

- May I contact your references?

- When can you start working?

- What is your daily availability?

- How will you get to our home?

Answer 2

Why no daycare? I think that daycare are good for kids even if they only go a couple days a week. It's good for them to be around other kids and they learn a lot! If you are really against daycare make sure that you get non family references from the babysitters. Right down a list of questions and then call all the references. I would also suggest getting a babysitter that has gone to CPR classes just in case. Good luck I hope this helps!!

Answer 3

I would ask and make sure that they are a licensed day care in the state that you live in. To become licensed they have to have their home checked for safety issues as well as attend classes. Some states require that daycare be CPR/First Aid certified, but I would ask that as well to make sure! I would also ask if there are kids your child's age that attend their daycare during the times that your child would be there.
Good Luck :)

Answer 4

REFERENCES. dot ever take someome who doesnt have reliable contactable references. make sure to ask the references not just if they did their job but how the child reacted to the person and what kind of influence they had in terms of emotional and behavioural growth. also try to use a reputable babysitting service if you can find one. they hold more accountability.

Answer 5

DO A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK! Then ask:
Do you have any children? What do you use as a means of punishment? What schedule do you have in place as a daily routine? Do i provide meals/snacks or do you? Do you know rescue skills if my child chokes or stops breathing? Do you have a fire plan? Do you have any pets? DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES? Good Luck.

Answer 6

Read this article, it should answer most of your questions:
http://www.daycarebear.com/choosing-the-right-daycare-provider.php

Answer 7

Make sure she is going to get lots of hugs and kisses...that is the most important thing when they are so little!

Answer 8

Ask for references from prior employers and check them!!!