TenTips for Hiring a Childcare Provider

Findingchildcare situations to fit our budget, are close to home, and give us peace ofmind is every parents most difficult and frightening problem. Here are a fewtips to make the task less overwhelming.

1. Meet providers in their home or facility. You are entrusting yourchildren to a stranger. It is very important to know as much about these peopleas possible. Check for anything that might set off warning bells in your head.If something, anything, makes you uncomfortable, trust your judgment. If youmeet someone in their own environment, they tend to be more comfortable and thisgives you the unique opportunity to see the real person. 

2. Always check references. Have a list of pertinent questions ready. You dont want to take up more than five minutes of this persons time so be specific and to the point.

3. Always obtain a criminal and drivers history (and child abuse clearance if its available in your state) through a reputable investigative agent. Dont assume because a person seems sweet they dont have a criminal background. Some of the sweetest people are dishonest.

4. Always do a trial run on a week when you have the opportunity to pop in unannounced. Do this occasionally to feel secure that your children are being treated appropriately. This will give you peace of mind.

5. Always create an informal contract to avoid miscommunications with your childcare provider. Whether theyre in your home or your child is in their home, you want to be sure everyone is clear about responsibilities, hours, vacation, pay, sick leave, and how to handle emergencies.

6. Create a vital information form to inform your nanny what to do and where to go in an emergency situation.

7. Look for an opportunity to meet some friends, family, or significant other in the caregivers life. Birds of a feather flock together and apples dont fall far from trees. Its good to know how they grew up and with whom they associate.

8. Being a caregiver is considered unskilled labor and often people who take these positions dont have any significant skills or background. Find out clearly why they want to work with children.

9. Have a second interview with the children. Kids know when someone truly loves being with them. They are your best judges. If your children are extremely uncomfortable with the person and cant be persuaded to interact, this could be a good clue. Also, be aware of the caregivers behavior. Does she gently try to engage the children, does she lunge at them, or does she simply ignore the child completely.

10. Make sure youve secured copies of all necessary and pertinent documentation on background, credentials, certifications, and letters of recommendation. Keep these in a file along with health assessments, TB test results, drug screening results, and a copy of the contract outlining responsibilities.