Sitter Interview Checklist

When meeting a parent for the first time, remember that your opinion is very important in the making of a good childcare match. Parents respect sitters that ask good questions, and appear responsible and timely. Use the following list of recommended questions to make sure that you find the right job for you.

Questions To Ask

• What do you look for in a sitter?
• Do you have a cell that I can contact during a job?
• Could you leave me the address of a nearby relative in case of emergency?
• Could you give me the local emergency numbers for fire, police, emergency room, and the number of your local doctor?
• If you're ever headed out to a show, would you mind giving me your row and seat number so I can reach you faster?
• Can you describe a typical day with your kids?
• How much TV is too much?
• Are your kids allowed to play video games?
• What are your children's favorite books, toys and movies?
• What foods can the children have? What can they not have?
• Would you mind giving me a written breakdown of your kids' names, ages, and physical characteristics so I can easily describe them in case of emergency?
• Are field trips possible?

• Do you want me driving your kids? What are your rules for the car, car seats, etc.?
• Would you like to run a background check on me?
• What do you pay a sitter? Do you pay any overtime/seasonal bonuses?
• Would you like to set up a "review" system so that we can touch base on how I am doing?
• Would you like any more references than those I have already provided?
• Do you have any pets? What should I know about them?
• What is your recommendation for answering the door during a job if I don't know the person knocking?
• Do you have any rules for phone usage?
• What are your rules for visitors?
• Can I borrow your computer to check email on the job?
• Will swimming ever be involved in this job?
• Have you had any sitters before?
• What was the reason the relationship ended?
• How soon must you know in advance if I can't make it to a job?
• Can you drive me home if I don't have a car?
• Could you provide a taxi for me in emergencies?
• If a job runs very late, is it possible for me to stay overnight?
• What allergies do your children have, if any?
• What is your policy on smoking during a job?
• What is your policy on sleeping during a late job? Would you like me to stay awake in early morning hours?
• What are your rules for bath time?
• What are your rules for bed time?
• Would you like me to arrange playdates for your kids?
• Would you like playdates to be hosted at your house, or at another's?

• Can you give me a tour of your house and all the childproof/ safety features that you have?
• Are there any "danger areas" with chemicals, electrical equipment, steep stairs, etc. that I should be aware of?
• Could you show me how to lock all of your main doors and windows?
• Will you ever be asking me to travel with you, or do an overnight?
• What kind of disciplining works for your kids? Would you be willing to consider my opinion on this, or should I adopt yours?
• Is light housework involved in this job? If so, how much?
• Will you ever be at home while I am sitting?
• Can I release information on your children to the appropriate source if there is an emergency?
• Do you use a nannycam?
• Do you require a CPR or First Aid certificate?
• If I don't have one, would you be willing to pay/sponsor me through classes in this?
• Would you like to see my driver's license?