Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Questions to Ask a Prospective Babysitter


We are getting ready to interview a few girls from the church to see if they will be Bunkin's babysitter.  I spent a few hours on the internet collecting questions that every parent should ask a potential babysitter.

I plan on having my laptop open when we talk to them and just fill out a new document for each girl with their individual answers.  That way we can compare their answers.  One website said to tell them how much you want to pay them and THEN ask them how much they are looking to make.  That way you can meet in the middle if your numbers don't add up!



I was actually a bit surprised at the rate that was recommended for our area but it is all about location, location, location.


I also found this to be a bit helpful and informative:




http://www.babysitting-rates.com/



The secretary at our church recommended a few girls to talk to so I looked up their facebook pages.  I fell no shame.  haha  I was able to find 2 of the 3 and was very pleased with what I saw.




Questions to Ask a Prospective Babysitter 


1.   Do you have a criminal record?


2.   Have you babysat previously?  If so, please describe your experience.


3.   Do you have younger siblings or your own children?


4.   How many families have you regularly babysat for in the past?


5.   What are the ages of the children you’ve babysat for in the past?


6.   Can you provide me with the names and addresses of three previous employers?


7.   Have you received any specialized training for child care (such as first aid/CPR, attended a babysitter course, or taken related school courses)?  What experience do you have handling emergencies?


8.   Do you have a cell phone?


9.   Under what type of situation would you call me?


10.      What babysitter qualities do you have that should make me want to hire you?


11.      What's the first thing you would do if there were a fire?


12.      What would you do if the electricity went out?


13.      Do you know how to prepare a simple meal?


14.      Do you know how to feed a toddler? Do you know what to do if a child chokes?


15.      Do you regularly work/volunteer with kids? If so, please describe (such as helping out with young dance classes, serving as a sports assistant, etc.).


16.      Are your immunizations current?


17.      Do you have any health restrictions that could affect your ability to babysit?


18.      Do you have a driver’s license?  Do you have a car?  Do you have any tickets?


19.      How will you handle separation anxiety?


20.      Do you have any questions about our family rules?


21.      How will you enforce these rules?  Do you believe in spanking?


22.      How will you respond when my child does follow/won’t follow the rules?


23.      What will you do if my child won’t mind you or exhibits bad behavior such as biting or spitting?


24.      What activities will you plan with my child when I am gone? (Games, crafts or child-friendly)


25.      What age children do you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why? Which age group are you most comfortable/experienced with?


26.      What is your overall child care philosophy? (Yes, you can and should even ask this of a teenage babysitter.)


27.      Are you comfortable helping my child go to the potty?


28.      Are you comfortable being in my home at night or for an extended period?


29.      What is your hourly rate of pay?  How do you prefer to be paid?


30.      What hours and days of the week are you available to work? (Ask if there are any particular times/dates a potential sitter cannot work.)
                                                   

31.      What can I do as a parent to help make your babysitting experience with my kids a success?





If you can think of any other please feel free to leave a comment for me!

No comments: