There are a lot of things to look for in a babysitter/nanny. This checklist can help you figure out what questions are important to you. Be sure to ask these questions. To print a copy of this checklist, click here.

• How long have you been a babysitter/nanny?
• How old were the children that you have provided care for?
• What age do you like to provide care for?
• What are some of the things you like about being a babysitter/nanny?
• Can you provide references from your recent job and some other jobs?

• Do you have first aid and CPR training?
• What do you know about child safety?
• Are you comfortable giving a child medication?
• How many children are you comfortable caring for at one time?

• Do you have training in child care?
• What are some of the activities that you would do with a child?
• Are you comfortable taking a child outside of the house for activities?
• How do you handle difficult situations with a child?
• Do you prefer more or less structure in your day? What is best for children?
• What is your view about discipline?
• What is your role as a babysitter/nanny?

• Are you willing to get a criminal record check, including a vulnerable population check, as part of the interview process?
• Are your work hours flexible?
• Are you available to work full time, part time, etc.?
• How long would you be able to stay with our family?
• When would you be able to start?
• Are you willing to do light housework and cooking?
• What are your expectations about having friends/others over to visit while providing childcare in my home?
• What are your ideas around using social media while providing childcare? For example, spending time on your phone while the child is awake, or posting photos of you having fun times with my child?

There are a lot of things to look for in a daycare. This checklist can help you figure out what questions are important to you. Be sure to ask these questions. You can print off these questions by clicking here.

• Is this a licensed daycare? If yes, the daycare should have its license hung up where you can see it.

• Is the daycare clean?
• Is the daycare well maintained?
• Are the windows and doors secure so that children cannot get out of them on their own?
• Is the building accessible?
• Is there an outdoor play space? Is it clean and well maintained?

• Are there safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases?
• Are medications and cleaning products stored in a safe area that children cannot get into or reach?
• Does equipment, like cribs, meet Canadian Safety Standards?
• Does the daycare use car seats properly when transporting children in vehicles?
• Does the daycare have a policy about who is allowed to pick up your child from daycare?
• Is there a routine for emergency evacuations, such as in the case of a fire? Are these practiced with the children?
• What is the ratio (number) of staff for children? Is this manageable?

• Does the daycare clean all toys and surfaces regularly?
• Does the daycare have a handwashing policy?
• Is there a policy about giving children medications?
• Does the daycare have policies about allergies?
• Are all staff required to have up-to-date first aid and CPR training?
• How does the daycare monitor which adults come in and out of the daycare?
• Is there a policy about bringing a sick child to the daycare?

• Are parents told about the daily schedule?
• Are activities developmentally appropriate? Do children have access to age-appropriate toys and equipment?
• Do children get to play outdoors?
• Do children have lots of time to play?
• Is the use of TVs, computers, and other screened technology limited?
• Is the programming inclusive to children with special needs?
• Does the daycare provide food or do you have to bring it for your child? If the daycare provides food, is it nutritious? Does the daycare follow Canada’s Food Guide and Ministry of Education’s Standards?
• Are the staff dressed appropriately for working and playing with children?

• Are children actively playing?
• Are staff respectful of the children?
• Is there a policy about discipline?
• Are children allowed to bring a special toy or blanket from home?

• What will daycare cost?
• When do you have to pay?
• Will you get a receipt?
• Can parents give suggestions about programming?
• Do you have to pay for times when your child is not at the daycare?
• Is there an open door policy for parents visiting the daycare?
• Can you go into the daycare when picking up your child or is your child always brought to you?
• What time can you pick up or drop off your child?
• What happens if you are late to pick up your child?

Young children can feel anxious if they are away from their parents. Some children are upset when the parent first leaves but settle very quickly after the parent is gone. You can phone the caregiver to see how the child is managing. Most children will grow out of this.

Feeling anxious can make it hard for your child to get through their day. If this continues or gets worse, your child may have separation anxiety. It may be hard for your child to control their anxiety. They won’t want to be alone, even in their own room.

Many times, young children show physical signs of anxiety if their parent/caregiver leaves. These can include throwing up, hiccupping, and drooling.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you think your child has separation anxiety.

• Make a space for quiet time where the child can go if they feel overwhelmed.
• Leave your child with someone they feel comfortable with. Start with a small amount of time and increase it gradually.
• Try not to feel anxious yourself. Your child will pick up on your emotions.
• Teach your child how to cope with their emotions.
• Get help for your child if you need it.
• Create routines with your child that they can do at home and at daycare. For example, looking at a book before a nap.
• Feed your child regularly. Being hungry can make children anxious.
• Let your child play with children their own age.
• Learn what things increase your child’s anxiety (e.g., playing with a new person). Do not help your child avoid these situations. Instead, help them feel safer.
• Model coping skills to your child.
• Comfort your child.

Click here to print this information.

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Choosing a Child Care Center
• Canadian Red Cross: Babysitter Course
• Child Care in Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan