When finding the babysitter who is just right for you, it is a ‘big’ job. You can do this job on your own; ask your resort facility concierge or look for help through a local Agency.
No matter what your decision, the steps for finding a good babysitter are the same.
Know what you want:
T alk with your partner and decide what it is that you want from your babysitter.. Outlining these expectations prior to the care starting will certainly have a positive outcome.
- What kind of babysitter do you want? Young, mature, active, someone who brings activities for the child?
- What kind of activities do you want the babysitter to complete? Remember a babysitter’s first priority is a child’s health, safety and well being. Child related activities can include some of the following:
- Age appropriate developmentally appropriate programming.
- Taking children to activities on location at the resort, already determined by the parent.
- Meal planning based upon the four food groups for children. This may include: lunches, lunch preparation, supper and snacks. Who will be responsible for the preparation, serving and clean up. What is your budget amount for these meals if room service is involved? OR would you prefer the babysitter to go off site and find a restaurant. This can be part of program planning dependent upon age and maturity level of children.
- Providing appropriate supervision to ensure child safety.
- Based upon your children’s needs and your activities, you will need to decide how many hours you will want the babysitter to work. How much flexibility will you need to accommodate your schedule and children’s schedules? How much notice will be required for the babysitter to accommodate changes to parent schedules?
- Remember, a babysitter’s first priority is your child.
What are your resources to get what you want:
- Ask the resort if they have in-house babysitters. This is usually maintained by the concierge or front desk staff.
- Go to the professionals. Placement agencies screen candidates, complete references, get medical reports, determine their matching requirements and can save families a lot of time and concern.
- Go online. Websites can assist with lists of placement agencies and independent babysitters available to assist in your search. Care Finder
Telephone interview for what you want:
- An interview is important as it is an opportunity to ‘get to know’ one another. Just because you are traveling it does not mean you can exempt this step. Telephone interview the agency or individual to ensure they will support your family’s care needs. Ask the Agency or potential babysitter for credentials such as first aid certificates and completed security clearance. If using an independent caregiver ask them to bring them to the job so you may authenticate them.
- Have an interview guideline with specific questions reflecting your needs and wants. Listen carefully to responses and ask for examples to support answers. Past behavior is a good indicator of present behavior.
Important questions to consider include:
- What were past work experiences with children?
- Childcare philosophies: do they match yours?
- Positive Guidance policy: do they match yours?
- How does the babysitter comfort children?
- How will the babysitter meet the individual needs of the child when you are away? What are the babysitter’s ideas for activities for children?
- Ask questions about experiences with children? Ask for examples supporting statements.
- Ask for references and ask the resort concierge their opinion regarding the caregiver and past experience with the babysitter. If you are using an agency references are completed in advance.
- Last but not least, use your personal discernment: Your GUT. If all the answers were great but it does not feel right, then do not use the babysitter. Trust your instincts and pay attention to this small detail, it is usually current.
- Ensure all babysitters are bonded and have liability insurance whether they are with an agency or working independently. This adds another layer of guarantee and peace of mind for families.
If you have decided to use an agency negotiating times, places may be part of their serve to you. Care Finder
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