Selecting a child care provider can be challenging because you must always have your child’s health, wellbeing and safety in mind. Whether you’re interviewing a private nanny or occasional sitter, trust your gut and use these questions as a guide.
Be sure to read them over before the first interview, thinking about which issues are most important to you. This will also help you come up with other questions you want to ask. Additionally, you may consider paying for a background check if you are not using a service that vets the child care provider. There are many services available online.
Applicant information
Name
Phone number
Alternative contact information or email address
Experience
Look for a nanny who has cared for children before. Years and years of experience aren’t necessary, but the nanny should be qualified.
1. Why are you a nanny?
2. How long have you been a nanny?
3. How old were the other children you cared for?
4. Why did you leave your previous job?
5. Do you have any formal education in early childhood development or training in child care?
6. Do you have CPR and first-aid training?
7. What would you do if my child suddenly got sick or had a serious accident?
Approach
It’s important to find out a nanny’s philosophy on childrearing so you know how they will care for your child. If their beliefs aren’t in line with yours, the arrangement won’t be successful. Ask each candidate what they enjoy about the job and how that satisfaction reflects their attitude toward children.
1. What do you like about being a nanny?
2. What about being a nanny could you do without?
3. Please tell me about three things you most enjoy doing with children.
4. What are your beliefs about childrearing? Can you describe children’s needs at different ages (or, specifically, at my children’s age)? What must adults give children so they develop self-respect as well as compassion for others? How can adults help kids develop self-reliance?
5. How do you approach difficulties over bedtimes or meals?
6. How do you discipline children?
7. How do you comfort children?
8. How might you and my child spend a typical day? What types of activities do you think are important to include?
9. What are some of the rules you’ve followed in other households that you think work well?
10. Which rules don’t work for you?
11. Describe your ideal family to work for.
12. Do you have any pet peeves about parents? About children?
13. Will you be good-natured about filling me in on the things my child said and did that I missed during the day?
14. Will you be comfortable filling me in on any mishaps?
Logistics
Find out if the nanny is available to work when you need them to be there.
1. Do you want a live-in arrangement?
2. When can you start working?
3. Are you willing to do light chores while children are napping? If so, which ones?
4. Do you drive?
5. Do you have your own car?
6. Will you ever be available to work evenings or weekends?
7. Will you be available to travel with our family on weekend trips or vacations?
Salary and benefits
1. What is your salary range?
2. Do you require benefits such as health insurance?
3. How do you prefer to arrange your meals? Do you like to bring your own lunch and snacks? If you expect food to be provided, do you have any special dietary needs?
Personality
While in your home, give each candidate a chance to spend some time with your child. Do they seem attentive? How does your child interact with the candidate?
Your observations will strongly influence your choice, so invite final candidates to come back for a second visit and spend an hour or so playing with your child and take a moment to ask yourself the following questions.
1. Does the candidate seem comfortable holding or speaking to your child?
2. Is this person pleasant to be with?
3. Is your child engaged and enjoying the company?
4. While you’re at work, will you feel at ease knowing your child is with this person?
References
Ask each person you’re considering for a list of references. Call these references with specific questions (don’t ask whether they liked the candidate).
1. Could you recommend families I can call for references? Get names, phone numbers and email addresses.
2. May I call your previous employer? Get their name and number.