by Stephanie Epplett

Created on: January 30, 2009

Before employing a baby-sitter you should always take time to get to know the sitter on a personal and professional level. It's important to ask questions about their capability, personality, experience, expectations and knowledge of children to determine if that person is the right fit for your family.

Questions to determine Capability and Experience:

What is your age?

Have you ever babysat before? If yes, how old were you when you began?

How many jobs babysitting have you had?

What age children have you cared for?

What time of the day/ night do you prefer to babysit? Would you ever consider spending the night?

What type of courses have you taken in regards to babysitting?

(Some states offer babysitter certification).

Are you state certified?

Do you know CPR and First Aid, if so for what ages and do you have your card?

Give me three examples of how you would entertain the children.

Do you have a driver's license? Would you drive with the children and why? Can you tell me how to install a car seat and booster seat? What are the guidelines and ages/weights for car seats/booster seats?

What is your favorite Meal? Would you make this meal for the kids?

Have you ever provided care for children with special needs? Do you know how to administer (list any medications your child may take from asthma to Tylenol).

What is the normal temperature for a baby? Toddler? Preschooler? Tween?

Can you provide References?

Once you determine their age, experience and certifications, you can determine if they have the basic experience and are capable to watch the children. If they can and are willing to give you references, take them and check them.

Questions to ask to determine personality:

What grade are you in?

What is your favorite class?

What is your least favorite class?

How are your grades?

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? Tell me about it / them?

What is your family like?

What do you like to do for fun?

Do you like music, movies, reading? What are your favorite bands, movies or books?

Do you have a boyfriend/ girlfriend?

Where do you hang out most?

What do you want to do after school?

What are your fears?

What is your greatest strength and weakness?

These questions will help give you an idea of what kind of person the perspective sitter is. If they are involved in extracurricular activities, it will give you a hint into how much time they may have to babysit or how dependable they may be.

Questions to Ask to Determine Their Expectations:

Do you have a job?

Why do you want to babysit?

What

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