Home Childcare

Finding Quality Home Childcare

While having someone come into the home to care for your child is the choice of many, it requires a very thorough and in depth selection process.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Home Childcare Provider

• What do you like about your job?
• What do you know about child development?
• What do you know about children’s nutrition?
• What is your educational background?
• Have you worked for anyone before? If so, who are your references?
• Are you willing to cook?
• Are you willing to take the child to appointments?
• What is your driving record? What is your drivers licence number?
• What activities do you like to teach and engage children in?
• How much television do you think is appropriate for children?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you drink beer or alcohol?
• Do you have any pre-existing health conditions?
• Have you ever been arrested?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
• Does he/she have any children of their own?
• Have they ever taken a first aid class?

Choosing a Home Childcare Provider

Your child should meet the person(s) you are considering hiring as a caregiver. See if the child warms to the possible caregiver, and if the caregiver is engaging and shows and interest in your child.

When you have chosen someone you think would be an ideal caregiver for your child, contact at least three references. When speaking with these individuals, ask them many questions about the caregiver. Questions can include:

• How long did he/she work for you?
• What were the ages of your children?
• Are you related to the caregiver?
• What were the responsibilities of the caregiver when he/she worked for you?
• What were his/her strengths?
• What were his/her weaknesses?
• How often was he/she absent?
• Why did he/she leave your employment?

Once the Caregiver Is Hired

When you have employed someone as a caregiver for your child, you should treat them as an employee and hold them to very high standards. Have a contract drawn up with your expectations clearly outlined. This contract can include the days and hours the caregiver is expected to work, as well as the rate of pay the caregiver will receive.

Drop in at your home for surprise visits through the day to see what is going on with your child and his or her caregiver.

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