15 interview questions for a childminder and babysitter

What questions should I ask a potential childminder or babysitter?

We understand that leaving your child or baby with someone new for the first time can be difficult. However, with proper planning and interviewing, this needn’t be the case. We have put together a list of questions that you should consider when interviewing any perspective childminder, babysitter or au pair.

1. What experience have you in childcare?
2. Do you have children of your own, nieces or nephews or young cousins?
3. What do you think is the best form of discipline for a baby, toddler, primary school age child?
4. Are you comfortable doing light housework, laundry and preparing meals?
5. How much do you charge and how does that relate to your experience?
6. Do you do overnights? How much do you charge for that?
7. Are you comfortable driving? Taking walks in the buggy? Going to the park, local play groups?
8. What do you consider a high temperature?
9. What would you do if a child developed a high temperature or started to choke?
10. Have you been formally trained in CPR or First Aid?
11. Can you give me an example of an activity you might do with my children? (art project, hide and seek, board game, etc.)
12. Under what circumstances would you call me?
13. Are you Garda Vetted?
14. What do you expect from me as a parent?
15. Can you provide references from other families or childcare jobs you worked at?

Make sure to follow up on any references provided.

Garda Vetting is available, free of charge, to all adults working with children. Childminders minding four or more children are required to be vetted, otherwise it is voluntary.

To find your next childminder or babysitter sign up here.

By SureSitter