Hiring a nanny or an ass’ mat: the questions to ask

Before’hire a nanny or childminder, the parents generally organise, after an initial telephone contact, an informal job interview, either at home, with or without the children present, or directly with the childcare professional. During the interview, the parents will ask several questions to get to know the candidate, question her about her habits when she looks after children, without forgetting the practical questions about her schedules, her references, and her salary expectations. To help you, we have listed the different questions to ask a nanny or an ass’mat. Mina Zanat, former president of the Family Sphere Group, specializing in home childcare, also gives us her advice.

For hire a nanny or childminderyou must first have a first contact, which is often done over the phone. It should not be taken lightly, as it lays the foundations for the future encounter. For this telephone interview, bring a notebook to write down all the information. The first questions to ask will allow the professional to introduce herself, and for you to get to know her a little better. You can ask him:

• Who are you ? In a few words
• How long have you been doing this job?
• How many children have you had to take care of?
• Are you approved (if a childminder)?
• Why do you do this job?
• What are your on-call days and hours?
• Where do you live ? To know the distance between your homes.

After this presentation, tell him the content of the position and what you are looking for precisely (profile, missions, salary, hours), in order to avoid any surprises during the interview. This first contact will also allow you to feel if there is already a feeling with the person, and if so to organize a physical interview. On D-Day, it is preferable that both parents be present with the child. Also remember to talk about it with your child beforehand, so as not to take him by surprise during the meeting.

Questions to ask during the job interview

During thejob interview for the future nanny or childminderwhich is done at home with the child(ren), different criteria must be taken into account.

His education and qualifications

You can ask the nanny or childminder a few questions about her training: have you followed a specific training? What are your degrees? “If your child is less than three years old, for example, the nanny must absolutely be authorized and have her Early Childhood diploma. She must also have a minimum of two years experience with young children.“, explains Mina Zanat, former president of the Family Sphere Group. “For more than three years, the diploma is not required, but the experience of one or two years is essential, before entrusting your child“. Another essential qualification: the SST diploma (Lifeguard – Workplace First Aid), which ensures the safety of your child.

“If your child is less than three years old, for example, the nanny must absolutely be authorized and have her Early Childhood diploma.”

His behavior with children and his organization

During this first interview, make sure that the nanny or childminder behaves correctly with your children and that she does not ignore them! Observe his relationship with your little one.

Also, ask her questions about her day-to-day organization when babysitting. What activities do you implement? Do you do outdoor outings? How is lunch and tea time going? How are children’s naps organised?

His abilities

To test her skills in baby’s safety and hygiene, ask her questions by putting her in a situation. If you have to give my baby a bath, what should be the ideal temperature? How would you react if my child has a fever? How do you deal with conflicts between children? His reactions and answers will allow you to get an idea, and to reassure you on the points that seem important to you.

Housing security

If you go to a childminder, you will also need to focus on the safety and cleanliness of the environment. What is the condition and number of beds? Do you have pets (especially in case of allergies)? Are you a smoker? Has she installed outlet covers, stair gates, etc.?

His professional references

To prevent the questions from taking the turn of a military interrogation, ask him to talk about his past experiences, and ask him about them. family references with whom she has previously worked. This will allow you to confirm your feelings but also to obtain important information about his personality. Of course, the information will have to be taken with nuance: the experiences are personal and it is up to you to make your own opinion.

For another opinion, you can inquire with his former employers. Don’t hesitate to ask him for a criminal record check, without fearing to pass for a private detective.

His custody arrangements

Before making a decision, remember to validate the terms of care (schedules, outing times, days off, etc.). To avoid any legal and/or administrative problems, a formal contract must be drafted. And in the event that you use joint custody, each family must draw up its own employment contract. So check well in advance all the rights and duties of the “individual-employee”.

How do you know if it’s the right nanny or childminder for your child?

Every child is different. This is why it is necessary to choose a nanny who adapts to the needs of the child and those of the parents. “Most of them are looking above all for someone they can trust, but who is also flexible and flexible with their schedules. Fathers or mothers who sometimes come home late from work need to feel reassured on this point”, advises the specialist.

To do this, detail as much as possible the criteria you are looking for in the initial advertisement in order to better filter the applications. Be careful, remember that the perfect nanny remains a rare pearl, and if you have to be uncompromising on certain essential points, such as security and affection, you may be able to ignore other more futile ones.

Thanks to Mina Zanat, former president of the Family Sphere Group.