| Choosing to leave your child with a caregiver is | | | | my child? |
| one of the most important decisions you will | | | | - How would you handle a child that has the flu? |
| make. When hiring a caregiver or nanny for your | | | | - What would you say your normal disposition is? |
| child, there are several important steps you need | | | | - Is there anything that would affect your being |
| to take to minimize potential risks of hiring | | | | able to come to work on a regular basis? |
| someone who will not be a good fit for your child | | | | Always do a background check. The International |
| and family. | | | | Nanny Association reports that at least 5% of |
| When interviewing your caregiver, remember | | | | nanny applicants have a criminal record. They also |
| you're interviewing them for one of the most | | | | explain that these candidates may gravitate |
| important jobs in your world - caring for your | | | | towards answering newspaper ads or working |
| child. Taking care of children is not easy - you | | | | with agencies who do not require a background |
| want to select a caregiver with a positive, | | | | check. |
| nurturing attitude who will efficiently take care of | | | | Ask for references. A good quality nanny |
| your child and provide stimulating learning | | | | candidate will have at least one or two people |
| opportunities along the way. Wow - that's a lot to | | | | who can vouch for their character and past |
| ask for, especially considering current caregiver | | | | childcare experience. Ask the references why the |
| salaries. | | | | nanny left their employment, if they would re-hire |
| Here is our guide for interviewing caregivers and | | | | her and if they would recommend her. |
| nannies: | | | | Training in early childhood development. You should |
| List lifestyle and personal qualities important to | | | | find out if the candidate has had education or |
| you. Are there particular religious or cultural beliefs | | | | training in early childhood development and why |
| that are important to your family and that you | | | | she is interested in working with young children. |
| want your caretaker to also have. This could | | | | You want a caregiver who will stimulate your child |
| include things like religion, cultural background, | | | | with activities and experiences in music, art and |
| discipline beliefs and lifestyle. | | | | play. A nanny with some knowledge of early |
| Treat the interviews as if you were a corporation | | | | childhood development will know what activities |
| hiring a Vice President for your team. Ask her | | | | are appropriate for your child's age and |
| position on the topic and explain its importance | | | | developmental stage. |
| and role in the upbringing of your child. If there | | | | Go with your gut. If your instinct gives you the |
| are any concerns about work schedules or beliefs, | | | | feeling that something is not quite right, you're |
| you want to discuss it now before making a hiring | | | | probably unconsciously picking up on body |
| decision. Using your list as a guide, ask questions | | | | language, attitude or just an odd feeling that |
| about their personality, how they approach | | | | makes you uncomfortable. Listen to your intuition, |
| childcare and explore their commitment to the | | | | pass on the candidate and move along. It's better |
| job. | | | | to recognize your discomfort level now than |
| Interview the candidate several times. You should | | | | constantly wonder whether you made the right |
| meet with the prospective caregiver at least | | | | decision. |
| twice and have a spouse or friend meet with | | | | Introduce the candidate to your child. When |
| them for a second unbiased opinion. Prepare a list | | | | you've narrowed down the field, introduce your |
| of questions in advance to make sure you get | | | | two final caregiver candidates to your child. |
| the important ones answered so you can make | | | | Observe the interaction between the two. It may |
| an informed decision. | | | | be hard depending on your child and how well |
| Some key questions to ask when hiring a nanny | | | | they accept new faces, but a good nanny will |
| or childcare provider: | | | | know how to draw children out. If your child is old |
| - What is your discipline policy? | | | | enough, ask them what they thought about each |
| - How would you handle separation anxiety? | | | | candidate. |
| - What would a typical day's routine look like for | | | | |