by L.S. Watts

Created on: January 27, 2009

When choosing a babysitter, it is important to ask questions. In my opinion, you can never ask too many questions because I would want to know everything about the person that will not only be watching my children but influencing them as well.

Before contacting a potential babysitter it is always good to decide what questions to ask. Below are some example questions to ask your prospective babysitters. Some questions will depend upon your situation. Some situations may include, do you have a pool, a child with a disability or a behavioral issue. Only ask questions that are specific to you and your child's needs.

GENERAL QUESTIONS-These are the basic questions you need to ask in considering hiring a babysitter. Asking some of these questions right away will set the stage for asking other questions. If some of the answers to these questions aren't to your liking you can save yourself and the applying babysitter a lot of time.

What are your hours of availability?

If in the event I am running late, would this be a problem?

What is your rate of pay?

Do you have transportation or do we need to provide you transportation?

Are your immunizations current?

Do you have any health restrictions that could affect your ability to babysit?

How often do you come down sick with allergies, a cold, or the flu?

Are you legally able to work in this country?

Do you speak any other languages?

We have specific rules in our house, are you willing to enforce them?

Are you able to work holidays such as New Year's Eve, Valentines, or St. Patrick's Day?

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE-Knowing their background and experience is important because you will know more about their qualifications.

How long have you been babysitting?

Do you have a list of references?

Do you have job other than babysitting? If so what do you do?

Describe an emergency situation and how you handled it.

What has been your best babysitting experience so far?

What was your worst babysitting experience, and why?

Describe a situation in childcare where you could have done better?

Has a child ever been injured or died while in your care?

Would you be willing to submit to a criminal background check?

Have you cared for more than one child at a time?

What is the largest number of children you have cared for at one time?

Have you cared for a child with food allergies before?

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING-Asking these questions will help you determine how qualified they are in emergency situations as well as how to handle a variety of health and safety situations.

Have

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