Finding In-Home Child Care
Who Provides In-home Child Care
In-home Child Care is provided by individuals who fall under various titles
including nannies, au pairs, mother’s helpers or in-home caregivers. All of
these titles mean the same thing – a child care provider who comes into your
home. The degree of experience and training a person has in the field of child
care varies on an individual basis. One important consideration to be aware of
is that the state does not regulate this type of care. Finding a quality in home
child care provider is the primary responsibility of the consumer.
How Do I Find Someone?
There are various ways of locating a person who can provide child care in
your home.
- Nanny agency
- Au Pair Agency
- Newspapers
- Local Colleges
- Word of Mouth
How Do I Select The Right Person?
Thorough screening and interviewing of candidates for the job is crucial in
determining who might have the skills, training and background that best fit
your child care needs.
Screening
If you decide to go through an agency, a background check will most likely
have been conducted. You may want to ask to see documentation. You may also want
to check with the Better Business Bureau for additional information on the
agency you are working with. If you decide to search for an in-home provider on
your own, please review the attached documentation on conducting your own
criminal background check on an individual. Also, ask for at least 3 references,
not more than one from a relative and CHECK THEM.
Interviewing
If a person has met your initial screening criteria, plan a face-to-face
interview with the individual. It may be helpful to use the Interview Questions
document in this packet. If it is favorable, introduce your children to her/him
to see how they interact. Plan to discuss each of your expectations, how
compatible your lifestyles, values, and attitudes are. Elicit responses to
sample situations that may occur in the care-giving situation. Review family
rules. Firm up the responsibilities, salary and benefits of employment in your
home.
Tips to Create a Successful Partnership:
- Offer the individual a fair wage (If possible, offer benefits)
- Be clear in the providers job responsibilities and rules of the house
- Treat your in-home provider as a professional
- Show respect and appreciation for a job well done
- Keep the lines of communication open. Set up a system of daily
communication as well as in-depth discussion of how things are going. Review
your in home child care agreement on a annual basis (sooner if warranted)
See also:
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