Choosing the right type of childminder

For whatever your reason that you need a “Childminder” here are a few thoughts to help you with your choice:

• Always check the references you have been given. Check with your GP and also with your Health Clinic. It is well worth delving a little for peace of mind.
• Note how your child reacts to the person when you first meet, first impressions are lasting impressions.
• Will she play and do things with your child (i.e. stimulate) as well as mind her.
• If she’s minding your child in her house is it safe for your child? (Safety fitting’s for plug sockets, stairgates etc)
• Has she got a suitable car seat, or do you have to provide her with yours?
• Discuss what you consider good / bad behaviour for your child and the various aspects of discipline that she favours and that it complements or is similar to your own.
• Meals – does your child have any special requirements, or definite dislikes? Even discuss the amount and type of sweets or treats that your child is allowed.
• What are the arrangements if your childminder is sick, or needs an unexpected day off?
• Has she any first- aid training, and if the child is sick or needs medical attention will she initiate it for you?
• If the child is to be taken out with the childminder, what are the types of places it’s’ going to be brought to and the people it’s going to meet and probably play with?

Don’t be afraid to be too personal in your questions, after all it is your child’s well being that you are concerned about. The Childminder is going to be a formative role model for your child and is going to have a major impact in her life, so it is imperative that the decision you make is both right for you, your child and indeed the minder herself.

If the minder is to mind the child in it’s own home, do you expect her do take on any other duties as well as minding the child. (ie. housework).

CRECHES

A lot of the above points would also apply to creches, but there are a few others that should be inquired after. For instance, how do they practice fire drills and how do they keep all small children together( one supermarket creche quite literally chains all the children together onto a big long plastic chain and can drag the children out if necessary, also stops them from getting lost in the panic aswell).

You should enquire as to whether small children are segregated off from the bigger ones.

What are the sleeping arrangements like for small children.

The cooking area should be totally separate to the children’s eating and play area and completely out of bounds to the children.

See what the staff turn over is like, children need continuity and get upset by a lot of changes to their routine. Ask if you can call in at anytime unannounced. ( although this is good on occasion , do and try not to do it too often, for not only annoying the staff,but also it could be upsetting to other children as well as your own. This is not too say that you should be afraid to pop in and see the place in action for yourself and to reassure yourself that your little darling is truly happy!

Ideally there should be only 3 children (under the age 1)to 1 adult, and one adult to 5 children between the age of 1yr to 21/2 years.

Most crèches require a list or prior notice of who other than you is collecting the child and this is for the child’s own safety.