When parents are interviewing a sitter for a babysitting job, there are certain questions that automatically become important, such as experience, location and more. There are other questions, however, that parents may overlook. The following is a Sittercity- recommended list of things that parents should ask sitters before using them for childcare:
General Questions:
What is your prior experience with children? How many years, etc.?
What childcare roles have you done in the past? Sitter, nanny, etc.?
What is your rate for each role? Sitter, nanny, etc.?
Are we nearby? How can you get to jobs with us? Car, etc.?
How many families have you card for in the past? What were the kids’ ages?
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
What is your course of study in school? Is it nursing, etc.?
Do you know First Aid?
Do you know CPR?
Are you familiar with the Heimlich maneuver?
Can you swim?
Are you comfortable using a phone? Are you familiar with emergency numbers?
Do you have any allergies to cats, dogs or other pets?
Can you keep calm in a crisis? Give examples.
Can you drive in an emergency?
Do you have any particular religious affiliation that we should be aware of? Christian Science, etc.?
Do you have experience in bathing children?
Do you have a backup ride home in case we cannot drive you?
Are you ok if a job runs later than planned?
Describe a typical day with kids-what would you do?
How do you feel about playdates for my kids? Can you help arrange these?
Can you care for more kids if we have a playdate in the house?
What is your worst experience in childcare, and how did you resolve it?
What kinds of discipline do you use for kids? Spanking, etc.? Are you willing to change if we ask?
Are you ok assisting with homework, possibly making dinner and/or doing light housework?
Are you comfortable watching my child as a mother’s helper if I decide to stay home during a job?
What do you look for in an employer?
Can you travel with my family if we need you to?
Can you help with overnight care?
How soon will you let us know if you can’t do a job?
Parent Interview Tips
If newborns are involved:
Are you comfortable sitting for newborns?
Can you change a diaper?
Do you know infant CPR?
Can you properly carry a newborn?
Do you know about SIDS and how to prevent it?
Can you prepare and heat formula correctly?
Are you familiar with Shaken Baby Syndrome and how to prevent it?
Do you know the proper size for baby chewables and how to prevent choking?
Can you identify/create a childproofed room?
If the sitter will be driving:
May I see your driver’s license?
How many years have you been driving?
Do you have any marks against your driving record for speeding, etc.?