Honesty Works Publications
Hiring Care: Best Practices
A Guide for Parents
Hiring a caregiver can feel overwhelming when we are focused on keeping our children safe. These best practices and critical questions can identify the best care situations and can help protect children from predation. Implementing best practices and asking targeted questions during the interview process can help ensure the safety of children.
Cell Phone and Bathroom Policy:
A strict cell phone policy is essential in childcare settings to protect children from potential predation and ensure their safety. Caregivers and staff should not use personal cell phones while on duty, as this can distract them from adequately supervising the children. Additionally, there must be a firm rule against sharing images or exchanging phone numbers. Sharing images can lead to privacy breaches and potential misuse as well as a potential for exposing children to inappropriate content, while exchanging phone numbers can foster inappropriate relationships or contact outside the childcare setting. By enforcing a no-phone (except in emergencies) policy and restricting the sharing of images and personal contact information, childcare facilities can create a safer, more focused environment that prioritizes the well-being and security of every child.
At care centers, bathroom policies should mandate that children are never left alone with an adult or peer; instead, there should be a protocol in place for supervised bathroom breaks, ensuring privacy and safety without compromising supervision. These policies help create a secure environment, minimizing opportunities for inappropriate behavior and ensuring that children are always under vigilant and responsible care.
In-home bathroom policies might include: changing diapers only in an area of home where there is a camera; as soon as possible, teaching your children to change their own clothes in order minimize the times a babysitter might need to assist in changing their clothes and then having children use a private space to change.
It is imperative that children be taught body autonomy, body safety and the proper way to express feeling uncomfortable with a caregiver or a situation. This is an ongoing, evolving discussion.
Background Checks:
Conduct thorough background checks, including criminal history and reference checks. (This is a minimum: keep in mind only 15% of perpetrators are ever convicted).
Verify employment history and speak with previous employers or families.
Certifications and Training:
Ensure the babysitter has CPR and first aid certification.
Look for additional child care training or certifications related to safety.
Interview Process:
Conduct a detailed interview with specific questions about their experience and approach to child care.
Observe their interaction with your child during a supervised trial period.
Reference Verification:
Contact multiple references and ask detailed questions about their experience with the babysitter.
Verify the authenticity of the references provided.
Set Clear Safety Expectations:
Establish and communicate clear guidelines and expectations regarding interactions with children.
Discuss protocols for ensuring the child’s safety and privacy.
Home Safety Measures:
Install security cameras in common areas (ensure you inform the babysitter about the cameras).
Keep emergency contact numbers and information accessible.
Trial Period:
Start with a short-term or trial period to evaluate the babysitter’s performance and fit with your family.
Regularly review and discuss their performance and any concerns.
Regular Communication:
Maintain open and regular communication with the babysitter to address any issues or concerns promptly.
Schedule periodic check-ins or meetings to review their performance.
Observe Interactions:
Make unannounced visits to observe the babysitter’s interaction with your child.
Encourage your child to communicate openly about their experiences with the babysitter.
Bathroom and Cell Phone Policies:
Establish clear bathroom and cell phone policies to prevent inappropriate situations.
Ensure that the babysitter understands and strictly follows these policies.
Important Questions to Ask During Interviews
For Babysitters:
Experience and Background:
How many years of experience do you have in child care?
Can you provide references from previous families you have worked with?
Certifications and Training:
Do you have CPR and first aid certification?
Have you received any specialized training in child safety?
Child Care Philosophy:
What is your approach to maintaining a child’s safety and privacy?
Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
How do you handle emergency situations?
Do you have experience dealing with medical emergencies?
Behavioral Scenarios:
How would you handle a situation where a child is displaying distress or fear?
What would you do if you noticed signs of inappropriate behavior from others?
Bathroom Policies:
What is your policy on assisting children in the bathroom?
How do you ensure children are never alone with an adult or peer in the bathroom?
Cell Phone Policies:
What is your policy on using cell phones while babysitting?
How do you ensure children are not exposed to inappropriate content on electronic devices?
For Child-Care Facilities (Day Camp, School, etc.):
Staff Qualifications:
What qualifications and certifications do your staff members have?
How do you conduct background checks on your staff?
Child Safety Policies:
What are your policies for ensuring child safety and preventing abuse?
How do you handle and report incidents of suspected abuse?
Supervision and Ratios:
What is the child-to-staff ratio in your facility?
How do you ensure proper supervision during activities and transitions?
Bathroom Policies:
What is your policy on bathroom supervision?
How do you ensure children are never alone with an adult or peer in the bathroom?
Cell Phone Policies:
What is your policy on staff and children using cell phones?
How do you ensure children are not exposed to inappropriate content on electronic devices?