Prepare the same core questions for each interview
Give the sitter a short description of the schedule, children’s general ages, and responsibilities before asking questions. This lets them connect their answers to the proposed work.
Use open questions that invite examples. Follow up when an answer is broad, and take notes using the same headings for every candidate.
Ask about relevant childcare experience
Focus on responsibilities that resemble your arrangement. Experience with an infant, a group of school-age children, an overnight routine, or a child who needs specific support can involve different tasks.
- What ages have you cared for, and what were your regular duties?
- Which routines did you manage without a parent present?
- Tell me about a childcare situation that did not go as planned.
- What training or certificates do you currently hold, and when do they expire?
- What kinds of arrangements are outside your experience or comfort level?
Discuss scenarios and judgement
Scenarios show how someone gathers information and communicates. There is not always one correct response, so listen for whether the sitter protects the child, follows family instructions, and knows when to contact a parent or emergency service.
- What would you do if a child became ill during the visit?
- How would you respond if a parent was late returning?
- What would you do if someone came to the door?
- How would you handle a conflict between siblings?
- When would you call the parent, another emergency contact, or emergency services?
Confirm routines, boundaries, and logistics
Review the proposed arrangement directly. Do not wait until the first visit to discuss transportation, visitors, photos, screen time, pets, meals, medication rules, or areas of the home that are off limits.
- Dates, start and end times
- Duties and routines
- Pay method and timing
- Cancellation and delay expectations
- Transportation home after a late visit
- How and when updates should be sent
- Permission concerning photos, outings, and visitors
Leave room for the sitter’s questions
A sitter also needs enough information to decide whether the arrangement is appropriate. Invite questions about routines, behaviour expectations, emergency contacts, pets, transportation, and how the family communicates.
End by explaining the next step and when you expect to decide. Do not request sensitive documents or contact references without explaining why the information is needed and obtaining consent.
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.