Selecting Child Care Providers - CHAPTER TWO - WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW Part 3

Choosing A Babysitter

After conducting your interviews, collecting the necessary information, completed the reference checks and police background checks you will be ready to choose a babysitter for your child.

It is important to keep in mind all the answers the potential babysitter gave you to your questions and compare that to what their references said about them. If their is a discrepancy then you can either pursue further questioning of the potential candidate by phone or rule them out altogether as a possible babysitter for your child.

For any parent having to chose a babysitter, there is always the fear of the unknown and how your child will be treated when you leave them in the care of a babysitter. If you have screened each candidate properly you will feel more comfortable and confident with your choice. You should further ensure a stable environment for your child by taking the time to discuss potential dangers your child could encounter while playing, etc.

Parents mistakenly believe that if a sitter is reliable and affectionate towards their child, that’s good enough. Unfortunately, these qualities won’t necessarily keep your child safe. Babysitters not only need to know what to do in an emergency, they should also be able to predict or foresee the kinds of dangers your child can get into.

Protecting your children from injury should be foremost in your mind when leaving them in someone else’s care and you should openly discuss your safety concerns with the babysitter you have chosen as well as provide them with additional written instructions.

Remember, recommendations of people you know and trust are your best bet for finding a reliable and capable babysitter. You can always ask your neighbors or co-workers for referrals, or inquire at your place of worship.

You should follow your intuition and don't ever hire someone you think is mediocre because you're running out of time and if you feel that the babysitter you've hired isn't working out, don't keep her on just because you hate to fire somebody.

Remember to always put your child first!

Hiring a Nanny

Choosing a Nanny can be one of the most difficult decisions a parent can make. After all, there are so many questions you will want to have answered and so many different "if’s", "and’s", or "but’s" you'll want closure to before making a decision, that it could very well take longer to find a suitable candidate, than what you had originally expected.

However in the end you will feel more confident and relaxed knowing that this process you are about to engage in will be worth your child's safety and learning environment.

In addition to following some of the basic steps outlined below, you should always ask for an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, which will outline specific experiences and qualifications directly related to providing the services you are looking for.

Childcare Agencies

One of the most productive ways of finding a nanny is to contact and register with local childcare agencies. When you are about to register you will be asked to fill out forms which include specific information such as number of hours offered, number of children you have and their ages, any special requests or requirements from you, etc.

You should give adequate thought to answering these types of questions and include as much detail as possible because the information you provide will determine which type and qualifications of a nanny will be sent to you for an interview.

Word of Mouth

In addition to registering with your local childcare agencies, you should use word-of-mouth advertising to let others know of your needs. Friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbours could have quality leads or references to childcare providers who are looking for a position as a nanny.

Local Shops

Check with local shops and supermarkets that you frequent and ask if you can place an advertisement on their bulletin board, looking for a nanny. You can provide a brief description of the position including any specific qualifications you are looking for as well as a phone number to contact you for more specific information and setting up an interview.

Student Placement

Check with local colleges that have childcare courses or programs. Some of these courses may offer placement services for their students while they are completing their courses. Ask the college if you can be included in their placement program as well as any specific details outlining the rules and regulations for participation in such a program.

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