How to Hire a Babysitter
You've finally decided to plan for that long overdue night out with your spouse. In the days before parenthood, picking the restaurant was the most challenging part of the evening. Now you are left with the daunting task of finding a provider that is practically perfect in everyway.
Whether you hear about a childcare provider by word or mouth, through a babysitting service, or even by placing your ad on the internet, one thing is for sure - if you want to know who is caring for your kids your going to have to do your homework.
However you decide to advertise your position, be sure to communicate your criteria to potential providers.
Your basic list of criteria may look something like this:
- Over 18
- Previous childcare experience
- Able to provide three verifiable references
- English speaking
- Non smoker
- CPR/ First Aid certified
Chances are, once the word gets out that you are looking for a sitter, you'll get plenty of responses to your request.
Be prepared when the calls come in by having a list of questionnaires printed out, along with a pen left handy by the phone.
When potential caregivers call, ask these important questions:
- Can I have your contact information?
- Are you CPR and First Aid Certified?
- Tell me about yourself and your interests.
- Have you worked with children before? In what capacity?
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What was your best childcare experience?
- What was your worst childcare experience? How did you handle it?
- Do you have three references for me to contact?
- What is your rate and availability?
You can save lots of time screening calls by setting up your answering machine greeting to say something like this: "Thanks for calling. If you are calling about our childcare position, please leave a detailed message including your name and phone number, overview of your childcare experience, and the title of your favorite children's book. Please only leave a message if you have three verifiable references. Thanks." From the responses that you get, you'll be able to tell if the candidates meet your basic criteria and if they are able to follow instructions.
With this method, you also have the luxury of returning calls at your convenience and can choose which applicants that you want to spend the most time with getting to know.
If you are satisfied with the phone interview, call the references provided. The most important questions you can ask a reference is "Do you have any hesitations about leaving your child with the caregiver?" and "Would you hire this provider again?"
If you have made it this far in the interview process, it's time to set up a visit. Choose a time of day where your child is usually awake and in a playful mood.
Be sure to observe the following:
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Is their appearance neat?
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Do they make eye contact when they talk?
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Are they comfortable around your kids?
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Do they wash their hands before handing an infant?
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Do they seem interested in the children?
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Do they get on the floor to interact with your toddler?
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Do they ask get to know you questions, like "Can you tell me about your favorite toy?" to an older child?
- Does their cell phone go off without ceasing?
If you are happy with what you've observed, you have gotten stellar references, and your mothers' instinct says "yes," you are in a position to offer the candidate a trial run.
Set up a time frame of about four hours during the day and see how it goes. Run some errands and be sure to pop in and out unexpectedly.
If everything goes as you hoped, you are ready to offer her the position.
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