WWWWA? Interview halp

jojobrn

This is a little bit of a post and run right now, baby is napping in her swing and I need to clean the kitchen. I'v been setting up interview with part time nannys for when I go back to work next month. I have some very obvious questions in mind, but is there anything you guys would ask the person coming into your home to take care of your baby? TIA.

hmonkey

references, yo.

i would also ask a lot about expectations: what she wants, and what you want and make sure they are aligned.  is there hosework involved?  what about emergency care?  does she have a car (and where does she park it!?)?  do they shoplift and think it's funny?  when a website has a clearly mismarked item, do they try to buy it anyway and cry foul when the website refuses?  do they drink rice milk?  where do they buy their makeup?

Heffalump

References--as many as possible, and really poke around in them. 
Are they through an agency?  If not, definitely a background check, otherwise the agency should handle that for you and provide you with the actual results, not just "He/she checked out."
Disciplinary philosophy
Screen time philosophy, and how it meshes with yours
Typical daily schedule with a baby M's age, 6 mo old, 1 yr old
CPR/First Aid certifications/retest date

zsazsa-stl

How do they feel about parking in neighbor's driveways and/or in front of mailboxes?

And I'm giggling about the expectation of "hosework."

jojobrn

References all the way baby. Along with background checks, I am going through an agency of sorts Heffa, so everyone has BGC's already for the most part an I will have my Dad double check them. Have a PI for a dad can often times be a good thing. And the rec to ask about routine with her is awesome, hadn't thought of that.

There is plenty of hose work to be done and I intend to have her park on my neighbor's lawn. If she does shoplift maybe she can get me some new clothes.

TheDuckis

Experience/comfort with animals. This is the #1 reason we're hoping to do daycare instead of a nanny, but if it comes to that, "How do you feel about pit bulls" will probably be higher on my list than "Do you know infant CPR?"

Ella and Pedro

HEALTH:
1.  Has she had experience with various childhood illnesses, and does she know the symptoms and how to handle various medical/health situations?  I.E. broken glass or splinter injury, head injury, fever, rash, phlegm, spots on tongue?

2.   Fire safety, emergency preparedness - does she know what to do?

3.    CPR training (I would consider this mandatory)
 
4.   Has she ever given medications? 

FINE & GROSS MOTOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:

1. Is she familar with the above terms, and can she list off 2-3 ways in which she would encourage development of both types while with your child?

VOCALIZATION:

Same

(going to bed, or I'd post more)

6fsn

Just from some things I've seen people complain about, I'd make sure she has reliable transportation.  Establish expectations for outings too- library time, zoo, playdates, whatever.  Make sure that you are comfortable with them as a person. 

When the time comes make sure your contract clearly spells out pay, overtime, vacation/sick time (for all of you), hours, and holidays. 

All of this makes me realize I'd make a terrible nanny.

AuntFlo

Jojo - DH is great with children.  Will you pay moving expenses?  

TheMrsC23

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_wwwwa-interview-halp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:e26edd5c-d661-4a6b-a08d-6b947c7f2425Post:fb0109b7-e11f-4382-816a-cf8438428643">Re: WWWWA? Interview halp</a>:
[QUOTE]Just from some things I've seen people complain about, I'd make sure she has reliable transportation.  Establish expectations for outings too- library time, zoo, playdates, whatever.  Make sure that you are comfortable with them as a person.  When the time comes make sure your contract clearly spells out pay, overtime, vacation/sick time (for all of you), hours, and holidays. <strong> All of this makes me realize I'd make a terrible nanny.</strong>
Posted by 6fsn[/QUOTE]

Hee.  True story.

ETA: I meant, I'd also make a terrible nanny.  Not that you'd be a terrible nanny, 6.  :)