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Questions for potential sitters

post #1 of 4
Thread Starter 
We might have found a sitter in Jonathan’s school area that can watch him in the mornings during the week to give DH a break. She quoted me one amount for full-time (plus an extra $20 for food if he'll be eating there). He won’t be eating there, so I don’t see that this should be a problem. On the day that he does eat there (if he goes on Friday), I can pack him a lunch or send food or something. But she never gave me a price for part time. Anyhow.

I came up with a list of things to ask her. Tell me what you think:

1.What street do you live on? I know you told me, but I forgot. We live on ***** Drive, so we were trying to figure out how far it was. I’m not that familiar with downtown once you get past B*** Blvd.. I want to make sure I know the best way to get there and then the best way to get from your house to my work.

2.How far are you from T*** Elementary?

3.How old are you?

4.Do you go to church? If not, that’s fine. If so, where?

5.How much would you charge for Monday – Thursday mornings (7:15-11:30)?

6.How much would you charge for those mornings, plus all day Friday (til 4:30)?

7.Do you keep kids on school holidays, summers, etc? I know there would be added cost, but I just wanted to check.

8.Do you charge when they’re not there (sick, vacation, etc.)?

9.What are your rules about them being sick (not stomach virus or serious stuff, but minor colds and things)?

10.My son does have a speech delay and he’s not completely potty trained, but both of these are getting better since he’s been in preschool. Would this pose a problem for you?




Can you think of anything else I should ask? Other than references, of course.
post #2 of 4
First aid triaing comes to mind, other than that...maybe how many kids she'll have (to get an idea of the ratio)
post #3 of 4
I would ask about first aid training
How long has she been doing this for


Ask leah...I am sure she can give you some great ideas
post #4 of 4
As a day care provider I have interviewed many parents. The one thing nobody has ever asked is...are there guns in the house. Maybe I'm a neurotic parent or just have a gun phobia but that would be something that I would ask. I would also ask if they are licensed. If they are, ask for the license number so you can call to see if they have violations. In MI you can do that online. Very handy. If they are licensed they must have CPR and first aid training and likely a criminal check. I would also ask if they would give you a few phone numbers of their current clients.

I never quote a price over the phone. It sends a red flag to me if the first question someone asks is how much I charge. I'd much rather meet them first and talk price then.

Two of your questions would bother me. How old are you? Do you go to church? I'm not ashamed of my age and I do go to church but I don't see how either one of those questions has to do with the quality of care your son would receive.

Oh and one more thing. FYI day care providers HATE being called a baby sitter. We don't sit on babies.
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