what should i ask a babysitter or child care centre when deciding if i want them to watch my child or not?

Sarah - posted on 06/01/2011

thankyou all you are all so very helpful. i have thought about pros and cons on both a daycare facility and a babysitter. and well with the daycare facility it would teach my daughter to share with toys and such and to be polite and accepting of others also it would really help with her social skills as she matures. I was a very shy person all my childhood and still sort of am and because of that i never wanted to join any sort of clubs or activities in school and had a limited amount of friends. I want my child growing up having what i never did. the only con i have is the cost and the fact that there are so many other kids and my childs risks of becoming ill are that much higher. and if she does become ill and has to stay home, i need to find me an in home babysitter for that time period. and with the babysitter there would be less chance of her becoming ill. but how do i know she wouldnt be having other people in my home, that she wouldnt just leave my kid infront of the tv screen all day, that she wouldnt take my child away from my home or that she doesnt do drugs or whatever. because people can seem all nice and cheery when you talk to them or when your around but once you leave thier sight thier the exact opposite. if i do go with a babysitter she will have to meet my requirements first such as no smoking, must be 16+, can't have anyone else brought into my home and cant leave the property. also i would have a background check done on her and would like for her to be certified in cpr. as i am and you never know when you are going to need it.

Kirsty - posted on 05/31/2011

i work in a childcare and it is great when parents take the time to find out as much as they can. I suggest asking about the centres policies, they should be displayed in the centre. A good one which there is always controversy over is the policy on supervision, guidance and discipline and what happens in a medical emergency.The qualifications of those looking after your children. Every one needs to have their current first aid training. .

Delores - posted on 05/29/2011

I would do research on the babysitter/facility. Google them, check reviews, do a BBB search, background check, ask questions,CPR certifications are detrimental. Drive up to the daycare chat w parents, daycares will tell u what u want to hear! Become a mini eye spy!

Lindsey - posted on 05/28/2011

I am an attendant at a play area similar to a daycare inside a grocery store...i would ask if your provider is cpr and first aid certified,how she/he goes about feedng them (do you have to bring food in for just your child or do the other parents rotate on buying the kids lunch),how many kids is she already watching,what are her hours. I have a sitter i found by asking my cusomers who watched their children while they were at work. The one i have only charges $2.50 an hour which is the lowest that i've found. Also ask teachers if you know any,they usually have good sitters. The only issue is that your child might bring illnesses home. My son has brought home several colds and then bronchiolitis so if your child has a low immune system you may want to just consider having a close friend or family member watch your baby for some extra money.

Jessi - posted on 05/28/2011

I will tell you about my experience and hopefully that might help you.
I was discharged from the army 3months pregnant, had my son and returned to my civilian job when my son was 4 months old. I didn't have a friend or family member who was willing or able to watch him on a regular basis so I had to look elsewhere. I chose to go with a licensed center (KinderCare Learning Center). It was a little pricy with what I was making so they suggested I get assistance which helped me out greatly. then i switched to a job which was going to pay me double and the state cut me off but $15/hr with other expenses on a single salary and no child support put me back at the starting block. I decided to look for a private provider; however, after speaking with her I decided I would rather pay extra to a learning center where my child would be involved in activities and taught and a daily schedule was always planned. the in-home daycare lady told me she doesn't do anything with the kids but watch them and since i don't have the patience or time to teach my son the educational side sticking with the licensed facility was going to be best for both of us. eventually the state realized i still wasn't making enough (especially after going back to college) so they did give me my child care assistance back.

You need to know what you can afford and if you can't if you qualify for child care assistance, how important education is to you, if you do choose to go with a facility you need to do tours and research about them and if you choose to go with a private provider ASK all the questions that come to mind. Example: how many kids are in your care? do you have anyone who works with you? how often do you take vacations and how far in advance do you notify the parents? how much do you charge? do you have scheduled activities? do you do any teaching? when is drop off and pick up? etc............

Alyssa - posted on 05/27/2011

The biggest issue for me when we used a child care center was illnesses. I always make sure I ask their policy on how they manage sick children. My son was always getting bugs at his first daycare because they wouldn't send kids home that were sick.

Can I suggest looking into a family day care system. They are run in a carers homes and are cheaper plus your child is in a home environment with only up to 7 other children...worked brilliantly for us!

√v^√v^√♥ - posted on 05/27/2011

If and when you finally do choose some one or some place, do a drive by LOL my mom found that after she chose a place when I was young all the women were outside smoking and ignoring the kids and I was eating rocks. Way to go for child care. It can happen, I would definiatly follow up on them without a notice

Laura - posted on 05/27/2011

What are their pick up procedures, how often do they eat, what are their hours, what time is nap time, are they certified, do they take the babies outside if it is above 90 degrees. Also, after you've decided on a place for your baby watch for signs of diaper rash, or if your child is extremely hungry/tired. good luck!