NANNY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

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Caring Nannies - Interview Questions

Questions to Ask A Childcare Provider

Telephone Interview:
(Compiled by a Mother in our group.)

- Tell me about yourself. Family? Kids? Where are you from? Where do you live now (how far)?

- Do you have childcare experience?

- Why do you like doing this work, looking after babies? Why do you want this job? Any other type of work you have done in the past?

- How long do you plan to do childcare? How long do you envision staying with this job?

- Tell me about your last job -- ages, duration, tasks, location, etc. Why did you leave it? Other childcare experiences?

- What would you like to know about my baby?

- What do you feel a baby this age needs most?

- What will you do when my baby cries? How will you comfort her? In your experience what comforting techniques work best for you?

- How do you feel about holding the baby a lot? How do you feel about wearing the baby a lot? Do you think you are physically able to do so?

- Do you drive?

- Do you smoke?

In-person Interview:
(Compiled by a Mother in our group.)

- Tell me about yourself. Family? Kids? Where you come from? Where do you live now? How far? Who do you live with?

- Why do you like doing this work? Why do you want this job? Any other type of work you have done in the past?

- How long do you plan to do childcare? How long do you envision staying with this job? Future plans?

- Tell me about your last job. What were your duties? What did the kids like to do with you? Why did you leave it? Other childcare experiences?

- What do you feel a baby this age needs most?

- How do you see yourself spending the day with a baby this age?

- What would you like to know about my baby?

- What will you do when my baby cries? How will you comfort her? In your experience what comforting techniques work best for you? What if despite everything you try she still continues to cry without reason? Have you heard of shaking baby syndrome?

- What do you feel about spoiling the baby?

- How do you feel about holding the baby a lot? How do you feel about wearing the baby a lot?

- What do you do with babies all day? How will you play with my baby during the day? Do you like to read books to children -- what are your favorite children's books?

- How will you handle feeding my baby? What is your position on breastfeeding? - How will you put my baby to sleep?

- If my baby throws a tantrum, how will you handle it? When my baby starts getting more active and getting into trouble, how will you handle it? How do you discipline young children?

- What are the most common accidents that you feel she is likely to have? What precautions will you take? Have you recently had, or are wiling to take CPR and baby first-aid training?

- What would you do if my baby were choking on a toy?

- What factors may interfere with your being on time? Do you drive? How is your driving record? Do you know how to use a baby car seat?

- (If she has kids) If your child is sick will you need to stay home with him or do you have alternate care?

- What may cause sudden inability to show up for work? Would you be able to give me advance warning about needing time off? 6 weeks in advance?

- How is your health? What is your physicians name, and could I check on the date of your last examination and if your physician feels you are able to do this work? (Evidence of complete physical exam, and recent negative TB test). Are you a smoker? Do you drink alcohol; how much? Do you use recreational drugs?

- At your last job were you paid cash or was tax, social security, etc. paid as well? Do you have a preference? What are your pay/vacation expectations?

- Have you ever had a background check (e.g., trustline)? If not are you willing to undergo one?

- Do you expect any visitors (friends/family) to my house when you are working here?

- When the baby starts to nap for longer duration would you be willing to do some light housework (e.g., baby's laundry)?

- How flexible is your schedule? Can you work some evenings/weekends?

Questions For Prior Employers:
(Compiled by a Mother in our group.)

- Overall impression.

- What were some of the best things about her?

- Children's ages? How were they towards her?

- How long was she employed? Why did you stop employing her?

- What did she do with the children all day? Did she take them out of the house (parks, play dates, library, etc.)?

- Any reservations? On time and reliable? Any emergencies keeping her away from work? Any accidents with the kids?

- Did you ever talk to her prior references?

- How much did you pay? Nanny tax? Paid vacation/holidays?

Childcare Application:

Name:_______________________________________
Date:________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
Date of Birth:__________________________________
Place of Birth: _________________________________
Phone:_______________________________________
Marital status: __
Married/domestic partner __Single __Divorced __Widowed
Children? __ Yes __No If yes, ages:______________________
Social Security No.:_______________________
California Drivers License (or Identification) no.:___________
Expiration date:_____
Driving history (accidents, tickets, etc.):________________________ ______________________________________________________

Name, address and phone no. of closest relative near you:
Name:__________________________________
Relationship:______________________
Address:________________________________
Phone:__________________________________

Emergency Contact Person: Name:_________________
Relationship: _______________________
Address:_________________________________
Phone:___________________________________

Have you had a background check conducted? ___Yes ___No
If yes, which agency?__________________________
If no, would you be willing to have one done? ___Yes ___No

CPR/first-aide training? ___Yes ___No
If yes, date:_____________ Expiration date:_____________

TB test date:_______________ Health Insurance:____________
Your doctor's name:________________________
Address:_________________________________
Phone:___________________________________
List of health or medical problems: __________________
List of medications you use:________________________

Education:_____________________________________
Language(s):___________________________
Hobbies:_____________________

Childcare Experience: Name Start date End date Children ages
Responsibilities 1) 2) 3) References:
1) Name:______________________________
Relationship:____________________________
Address:_______________________________
Phone:________________________________
2) Name:______________________________
Relationship:____________________________
Address:_______________________________
Phone:________________________________
3) Name:______________________________
Relationship:____________________________
Address:_______________________________
Phone:________________________________

Signature:_______________________________

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