In Home Child Care - What to Ask Mom?

1. How does she discipline him (time outs, etc)?
2. What is his eating schedule including snack times?
3. What does he typically eat and will you provide it or will she?
4. What is his nap routine before he goes down?
5. Does he have anxiety when she leaves and if so, what calms him down?
6. If he is not potty trained typically when does he have a bowel movement so you are prepared if you take all the kids out to the park, etc.
7. What are his interests and anything you should be aware of regarding what they are exposing him to at home?
8. What is their feeling about TV/videos?

Good luck!

~Well, how about her discipline style? What she would like you to do in the event of misbehavior...does she do timeouts and if so like how?, standing in a corner, sitting in a "naughty chair" or what?
~Have you talked about what happens if she is late picking him up?
~What happens when he is sick, are you still gonna take him?
~How about how she feels about you running errands with him in the car or going to the park?
~How she feels about sugar and treats and juice and what exactly he likes to eat?
~Does he/is he allowed to watch cartoons?
~Can you do art projects and get his clothes dirty?
~How does she feel about you giving him a bath, if he gets messy...would she rather you not?
~What if it doesn't work out? How much notice are both parties supposed to give?

I am sure there are a million more but that's all I got...

You NEED to have these things down in writing.
I did childcare too before I had my 2nd child... I had a sheet for them to fill out per questions I had for them... and then that becomes a 'record' of info from the parent to me to keep track of things. ALSO so that verbal exchanges are not suddenly 'forgotten.'

You NEED to also state, what will be done in case of emergency.
WHO will pick up the child, if the parent cannot be there to do so.

You need to also state any "late fees" for when they are late in drop-off or pick-up times.

You also need to state your vacations or for when you are sick or your child.
A "sick policy.

You also need to state/stipulate any "transportation" rules... or if you are "allowed" to take her kid in the car to go place and if so, THEY need to provide you with a car seat for THEIR child.

AND, you need to have a "Liability" release form for them to sign... to release you from Liability.... you can find these online.

And you MUST, state on paper with both parties signing it.... about payment, when they must pay by, AND if you are to be paid the full amount even when you are on vacation etc, AND for when they just do not come on certain days.... that is the usual for babysiters/in home childcare.

ALSO, for example, if you are paid per hour, per day or per month... a fixed amount or not....

Also, how do you handle "Discipline?"
How do you handle it if the kids are rough? If a child is a problem?
What are their expectations???

She should also be bringing her own diapers and food/formula/breastmilk etc. Daily.

Also, do you give medications to her child? Are you allowed to? Do you allow that?

Do you have a First-Aide kit?
Do you know CPR?

Just some things I did and I had it all in writing, with their signatures.

all the best,
Susan

Something I make sure to have on hand with families I provide care for is a liability waiver and certification that the family does have medical insurance for their child. The liability waiver covers damages outside the scope of negligence (which is why I carry a $1 mill. insurance policy on my preschool) and also ensures that they will pay for any injuries/illnesses their child experiences at my school. For example, if Sally wears glasses and Trevor accidentally (or not) knocks them off while the children are playing, Sally's family is liable for the cost, not myself or Trevor's family.

Emergency contacts and consent forms (i.e.--if family cannot be reached this will allow you to attain emergency care for the child...the EMTs and docs would be making the big decisions anyways) are important.

The other thing I ALWAYS ask is that parents understand terms of illness exclusion ( I have my standard list) and I have them sign a standard form for each medication they ask me to administer. If they keep Tylenol,Benadryl, Epi-Pen etc. at my school, it is on the form that the parent is responsible to provide notice (Fill out a new form) if there is a change in dosage/administration of meds. This is also for legal reasons and reminds families that they are ultimately on the hook for giving me correct information.

I think it's great that you are putting everything down in writing and both signing off on it. You may also want to check with this mother in regard to hours and flexibility. I have more to offer in this area, but not enough time, so if you Message me with a request, I can write out the particulars.

First, I dont' know if this is implied in your post, but I would make up some forms and have her fill them out. There can be no disagreement about the instructions and information. Also, give her a "tell me about your son" space so she can tell you anything she thinks is important. Other things I can think ofL
* potty training status and routine and what he calls his private parts/pee and poop or other special words?
*diet - what are acceptable dirinks and snacks?
DIscipline - adsk her if she uses timeouts and how she implement them? and be prepared to repond to a question about how you handle discipline?
* pediatirican and bakcup emergency contact info including who is allowed to pick him up?
*nap routine
* favorite toys, game, song, books, etc.
* is he used to being with a sitter?
* do you have her permission to do activities like go for a walk in the neighborhood, drive him places, etc. or whatever you have in mind? and make sur eyou consider the libility of such/?
* pickup and dropoff hours and shared poliscy if she is late
* vacation shedule and planning
*soothing items like a blankie?

please ask her what her expectations are regarding helping with potty training. I babysit in my home and I lost a very dear child over a disagreement that was totally avoidable. I was willing to help potty train, but I wanted her daughter to start in pull-ups or wear plastic pants over her panties ( I have light colored carpeting) her momma thought that was unacceptable.

Also be sure the mom has a back up plan in case of emergancies, or sickness , pick up time should be a set time ( no later than...) and if she is later make sure you have an extra fee....You cannot be nice...I KNOW how tempting it is, but I have been doing this on and off for 8 years and every parent will take advantage of you to the extent that you allow them...don't let them!
Not trying to scare you...watching kids can be amazing! Most of the time the kids are great, it is the parents who become a problem. Open communication is the key to a healthy partnership. They are paying for a "service" they don't get to walk all over you.

Hello. I used to teach Pre-K and am now a SAHM as well. It comes to mind that you may want to ask what the child's likes and dislikes are. It's always tough taking care of a child that you know nothing about. Most importantly as I assume you already have this covered, get all information for any type of emergency including the family's address and pediatrician's name. If there would be an emergency these are things that would be helpful along with the allergy information. Other than that it seems you will be good to go:) ENJOY!!!

HI, This is one of those "learn as you go" jobs. I have babysat for three families so far in my home. The first was a mistake (long story) and the second and third have been GREAT!! You want to ask about his allergies, you want emergency contact numbers, what are his "L. quirks"? does he have any bad habits? what are his favorite foods/what does he hate? does he drink too much juice? what are her thoughts about treats? what about tv/movie watching? what about toys? can he play on his own or are you going to have to actively engage him all the time? Does he like books? can you read to him or is that something his mom want's to keep as special time for them? are you going to do time-outs? if so where? Who is allowed to pick him up and can you meet them before hand? Remember you are providing a service and should expect to spend most of your time with your charge, not doing housework or being on line. If you plan on doing this with babies remember the first time a baby does something with their parents is the "first time" and not to take that away from them (like first steps, first words etc) by telling them. Let them share the news with you! This L. act eases the guilt/agony that most parents feel when they have to leave their L. ones to work. Good luck & best wishes! I love childcare and watching L. ones grow...it makes me feel great!

I think that it is totally normal to ask questions and be nervous as we venture into something new.I think things will be fine. I have a sitter who watches my son out of her home and she likes him alot. He has been there for a year and a half. I am happy with her and it is good for my son to interact with the different kids. You have a two year old so a lot of the things will be the same. Some things may be different since you are dealing with a boy. Everything will be fine. Good luck

In the state of Oregon you are only considered an in home day care provider as to meeting certain requirements requiring licensing if you care for 6 or more children. Your home does need to have the usual and expected safety features such as a fire extinguisher, exit plan, measures to protect from drowning, that sort of thing. Not because they're required by law but for your own and all of the children's protection.

Have you discussed discipline issues with her? If you were licensed you would have rules to follow such as no corporal punishment, withholding of food or shaming. But with just the one child it's important for you to use similar methods as his mother uses. And, I would think you would need to use similar methods with all the children. This could be a major issue.

One of my friends took her 3 yo daughter out of an organized day care center because she didn't agree with using time outs. She thought a calm and compassionate conversation was all that children needed. Maybe for hers but..............?

J. L. besides the typical questions that you have listed, I would ask her if there is a special diet that she follows for her son? Make sure you get information on an emergency contact person just in case she can not be reached, also a list of people that would be allowed to pick up her child in case she is unable to pick him up herself. Good luck and have fun. J.