What questions should I ask a nanny?

sunflwr2

Our neighbors and many of their friends take their children/babies to a woman in our area that has an in home daycare.  My neighbors LOVE this woman and think she is absolutely wonderful with their daughter (who is now 9 months but has been going there since she was 3 months old)
They spoke to the woman for us and she has an opening and would be willing to take on our little one when he/she arrives, and I have to call her to gather some information, so we can decide if it's a right fit for us.  But what should i ask her?  Do I ask her everything over the phone or do I set up a time to meet with her?  I would like to see her in person and see the house where our kid will be everyday.

ar78

Do a background check first!   

UZ2Bee

Some things I would ask an in home daycare person:

1) What happens when SHE is sick?

2) Do you still have to pay for the weeks you are on vacation - does she have any sort of policy about your child's sick days - some places get 6 free a year or something like that.

3) When does she take holidays?

4) How many kids does she have? Does she take more before/after school?

5) How does she transport the kids to programming, lessons etc?  How does insurance work for that?

6) If you get pregnant again while this child is still in DC will she hold your spot while you are on mat. leave, will you have to pay, or use her part time?  How does that work?

7) I'd ask for an example of a week's menu. - Do you have to take any food to supplement?  (for example milk).

8) How does she sterilize the toys?  How often does she do it?

9) Does anyone else ever come into the house to help her as an employee of hers?

Basically - I'd ask a lot of the same questions I would ask a DC center.

pharmernicole

When we were interviewing nannies, I always asked things like:

"What are your thoughts on the amount of television children should watch"

rather than saying:

"DH and I prefer she to not watch television"

Essentially, when you're not around they're going to do what feels right to them, so just go and meet (in person) and see if you get a good vibe and have some of the same ideals in terms of childcare..