Interviewing caregivers involves asking the right questions and carefully evaluating the answers given. You'll want to cultivate a close relationship with the person who'll greatly influence your child's thoughts, feelings, and opinions, but you shouldn't initiate this closeness until you've hired the caregiver. Until then, it's a good idea to maintain a strictly business-like demeanor. This allows you perspective on the person's professionalism and ability to relate to you. When setting up the interview, ask candidates to bring a written list of references' names, phone numbers and addresses, as well as a work history. At the interview, be sure to secure a driver's license number for a background check. You can have a private agency or possibly the local police department perform the search. Remember to question the candidate on discipline ideas and the amount of daily interacting she expects to perform. You'll want to watch them interact with your child, also, because children and caregivers can have personality conflicts just as some adult relationships can. Finally, before hiring, follow up on all references and past employers. This gives you a more complete picture of the person who'll have a large part in shaping your child's future.
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