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Selecting Child Care Providers -
CHAPTER TWO - WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW Part 2
Conducting Interviews
Write down the babysitters name, address, telephone number and
drivers license number (if applicable). Ask for references such as
teachers, counsellors, past employers, relatives, friends,
neighbours, etc.
To make this step easier you should utilize the babysitter forms
that came with this publication located in the free bonuses section
of this ebook. Get the prospective babysitter to fill out all of the
information which includes everything mentioned above. You will use
this information to conduct a background check on their references,
qualifications, honesty, reliability, etc.
Interview several prospective sitters personally and observe their
interaction with your child. Interview the candidate as if they’re
being hired for a real job--which they are!
Interview the candidate you're considering at your house so you can
see firsthand how they interact with your child.
Find out whether she's ever cared for a child the same age as your
child and if you have an infant younger than 1, you want a sitter
who has experience with babies. You also want to know the types of
activities and games she plays with children to entertain them, and
what she does when they cry or refuse to go to bed.
It's not enough that the babysitter seems responsible and likes
kids. You must ensure that they also know how to keep kids from
getting hurt and what to do in an emergency.
Ask a potential sitter whether she knows first aid, CPR, and the
Heimlich maneuver. You can get a sense of how well she thinks on her
feet by posing "What if?" scenarios, such as "What would you do if
my baby were running a fever?"
Finally, ask for references such as past employers, school teachers,
their own parents, friends, etc. and always be sure to check on all
of them.
At some point during the interview, you should ask what the
babysitter charges. Fees vary across the country, but a teen
babysitter makes about $5 to $8 an hour. If you have more than one
child, some sitters charge extra. And if you want the sitter to do
any extra chores, such as folding laundry, be prepared to pay a
little more.
Most importantly, pay attention to the reactions of the interviewee
as much as the answers they give to your questions when conducting a
personal interview. This will give you insight as to how sincere
they are and it also shows the level of patience they have.
Important Questions to Ask During an Interview
Q: How long have you been babysitting?
Q: How much do you charge?
Q: Do you have any formal babysitting training or courses?
Q: What age of child or children do you usually watch?
Q: Have you taken care of children my child’s age before?
Q: Do you know CPR or have any other training?
Q: If an emergency happened who would you call?
Q: How would you handle the children in getting them to a safe
place?
Q: Are you currently babysitting for other families?
Q: What days and hours are you available?
Q: Have you ever had an emergency situation arise while
babysitting? If so, how did you handle it?
Q: Do you have any younger brothers or sisters?
Q: What would you do if my child refuses to listen to you?
Q: Can you tell me about the best child you ever babysat for?
Q: How about the worst child you ever babysat for?
Q: What types of activities would you do with my children? How
would you pass the time with them?
Q: What if my child told you to keep a secret? What would you
do?
Q: Are there any questions that I can answer for you?
Post Interview Checklist
Use the information the applicant provided you and compare it to the
checklist below.
Q: Is the applicant at least 13 years old?
Q: Is the applicant deemed responsible and reliable?
Q: Is the applicant experienced, and for how long?
Q: Did applicant provide references?
Q: Has the applicant taken a babysitter training course?
Q: Is the applicant certified in infant and child CPR?
Q: Is the applicant willing to accept your guidelines?
Q: Does the applicant understand the importance of caring for
your child at all times?
Q: Does the applicant know what to do in an emergency?
Once you have determined the applicant has the basic requirements
you are looking for you can then compare them to other qualified
applicants who applied for the same position to get the absolute
best person for the job.
Once you have made a list of possible babysitters, check their
references carefully. Contact the sitter's past employers, teachers,
counsellors, relatives, friends, or neighbors and ask them about the
sitter's qualifications specific to child care.
If the sitter is a teenager and hasn't had much babysitting
experience, ask for their parents phone number and call them. The
sitters parents will know whether or not their child is really
equipped to care for your children.
Questions to Ask Applicant's References
Q: How long have you known _(Applicants Name)_ ?
Q: What is your relationship to the applicant?
Q: In your opinion what are this applicants strengths and
weaknesses?
Q: _(Applicants Name)_ has applied as a caregiver, do you think
they have the experience of looking after for my child?
Q: In your experience with the applicant do you believe them to
be:
-- Honest
-- Trustworthy
-- Mature
-- Responsible
-- Reliable
Q: Does he/she associate with persons of questionable
character?
Q: Would you recommend them as a caregiver?
Q: Is there any other information you would like to provide about
the applicant that you believe relates to the issues of trust and
reliability?
In some states, you may be able to obtain a listing of child care
services through the County Office for Children or even the police
department. Look in your telephone book under "County Government" or
call your local police department.
Though many young people under age 16 are capable of caring for
themselves and other children, the minimum legal age when someone
can be paid for working is 14. And even though someone can be paid
for work at that age, you should also be aware that if your sitter
is under 16 and something happens to your children during the time
you are away, you will most likely be held legally responsible.
The person you choose to care for your child should be loving,
responsible, honest, clean, intelligent, tolerant, patient, and
caring. Make certain that they are mature, experienced, and capable
individuals who truly care about the welfare and safety of children.
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