What To Questions Ask Child Care Providers

One thing I’ve discovered in working is asking the right questions in an interview will give you a much better understanding of the person sitting on the other side.

The same goes for the child care provider we entrust our children too. A carefully thought out question can bring out the qualities you seek or want to avoid.

Below you will find a list of questions to get you started.

5 Tips For Asking Questions:

Before we get started, please keep in mind the following when asking questions:

1. Listen carefully. Watch body language.
2. Be patient and allow plenty of time for an answer.
3. Ask for examples such as, “Tell me when you had to face an emergency. What did you do?”
4. Aim for open ended questions. These require more than a yes or no and will provide you with more information.
5. Ask for references and call them. Don’t be shy, this is your child you are protecting.
6. Bonus: Trust your gut. Always

If you need ideas for who can take care of your kids while you work be sure to read Child Care Solutions When You Are A Working Homeschool Mom

Questions You Need to Ask Child Care Providers

I don’t know about you but sometimes my mind goes blank when I am in an unexpected situation or under stress.

Interviewing the person you are entrusting your kids with is essential and one of those moments you don’t want to go blank.

Therefore to help you out here are a few questions you need to ask.

Basic Questions:

• What is it that you like about caring for children?
• What ages are you most comfortable taking care of?
• What do you look for in a family?
• Are you OK if I end working late?
• Are you okay assisting with housework, or cooking if needed?
• What days/hours are you available?
• Can you do nights if needed?
• What rate are you looking for?
• Are you willing to do a trail day?
• Do you have children? What are their ages?

Safety Questions:

• Have you taken First Aid or CPR?
• Can you provide a criminal record check?
• Can you provide at least 3 references that are not family members?
• Do you have transportation? (If not be sure to let them know what to do in case of an emergency.)
• Or Can you drive in an emergency?
• Have you ever dealt with an emergency?
• Do you know the emergency numbers?

Homeschooling Questions:

• Are you OK assisting with schoolwork?
• Are comfortable supervising experiments?
• Do you like arts and crafts?
• Do you like taking kids outside in nature?
• Do you have a quiet place for them to do their school work uninterrupted (if they are not in your home)
• Do you have WiFi or internet connection my child can use? (if they are not in your home)

Socialization questions:

• How do you feel about play dates for my kids? Can you help arrange these?
• Can you care for more kids if we have a play date in the house?
• Can you take them to lessons/activities if required?
• Are you comfortable driving kids in the car?
• How many years have you been driving?
• Do you have access to a cell phone and GPS in case we need to contact you?

If you have pets be sure to ask:

• Do you have any allergies to cats, dogs or other pets?
• Are you uncomfortable around or scared of any particular pets?
• Do you have pets?

Leaving your kids with someone is hard enough. With these questions you will feel much more confident in knowing that you are all on the same page!

Having open communication with your childcare provider is vital.

Set clear expectations about routines. If you will have school work completed make sure they know to do if your child get stuck or child resists.

Set your requirements and be specific.

Also, you may want to have your child meet the caregiver to see how they interact with each other. Perhaps arranging for a trial run before leaving them alone with a new person.

This will help the transition go smoother for all involved.

Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Child Care For Homeschoolers:

•  If you need ideas for who can take care of your kids while you work be sure to read Child Care Solutions When You Are A Working Homeschool Mom
• This Child Care Planner can help you stay organized.
• Child care for homeschoolers

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