Ask permission and explain the process
Tell the potential sitter that you would like to contact references, what you plan to ask, and how you will use the information. Ask for the reference’s name, contact details, relationship to the sitter, and the approximate dates of the arrangement.
Do not ask the sitter or reference for unrelated personal information. Keep the check connected to the childcare work being considered.
Choose references connected to relevant work
A recent family reference can often describe duties, communication, and follow-through. A teacher, coach, employer, or community supervisor may provide useful context when someone has limited paid childcare experience, but their observations may cover different responsibilities.
Ask how the reference knows the sitter before discussing details. If the relationship differs from what the sitter described, pause and clarify the difference.
Use a consistent question set
Write the questions down and record factual notes. Avoid asking a reference to predict whether the sitter is right for your family without explaining your needs.
- How do you know the sitter, and when did they work with your family or organization?
- What were the ages involved and the sitter’s regular responsibilities?
- How did they communicate about schedules, changes, or concerns?
- Were there duties they needed help learning?
- Did they follow household or organizational rules?
- Were there any concerns relevant to childcare work?
- Would you ask this person to perform similar work again?
Compare the reference with other information
Check whether dates, duties, age groups, and training match the profile and interview. Minor differences can come from memory or wording, but material inconsistencies deserve a direct follow-up.
A positive reference is not a guarantee, and one unavailable reference does not automatically establish a problem. Consider the full pattern of profile information, interviews, references, and any checks required for your arrangement.
If a profile says the sitter managed infant bedtime independently but the reference describes only daytime play while a parent was present, ask the sitter to explain the difference before relying on the claim.
Protect the notes after the decision
Store reference notes privately and limit access to people involved in the decision. Do not publish a reference’s contact details or comments in a public profile or group.
Delete contact details and notes when they are no longer needed. If you decide not to proceed, give the sitter a direct answer without sharing a reference’s private comments unless you have permission.
Sources
These sources support the general safety information in this guide. They do not endorse Babisy or review individual users.
Babisy Editorial Team prepared this guide as general information. It is not legal, medical, or professional safety advice. Use steps appropriate to your family and location.