To find a good child minder in your area, the best way to go about it is by word of mouth. Talk to the other parents in your area, and you will get an idea of which child minder is the best and the most popular.
Arrange a visit to the child minder, either when she is on her own or has children with her. Have a list of questions that you would like answers to, and spend as much time as possible with the child minder until you feel comfortable and at ease.
There are other things to observe and consider when you enter the child minder’s house. It she a friendly person and do you feel comfortable with her? Have a look around the house - it is okay for the house to be untidy, but not dirty - there is a difference! Also ask if there are smokers in the house.
The bathroom should be clean and easy enough for the children to get to, and the kitchen should also be clean, with anything hazardous to the children well out of reach.
There should be adequate toys and playthings for the children. Safety in the home should be well thought out such as, fireguards, smoke alarms, safety gates, a secure garden, a fire blanket, pot guard on the stove, and window locks on upstairs windows, if any. Household cleaning goods and medicines should also be well out of reach of the children.
If you find it difficult to ask the child minder the questions you have listed, then you might want to opt for another child minder - you should be able to communicate easily with the person who is going to be looking after your child.
Very importantly, have a good look at the other children - do they seem happy? Also, what is your child’s reaction on meeting the childminder - is your child comfortable?
Arrange a visit to the child minder, either when she is on her own or has children with her. Have a list of questions that you would like answers to, and spend as much time as possible with the child minder until you feel comfortable and at ease.
There are other things to observe and consider when you enter the child minder’s house. It she a friendly person and do you feel comfortable with her? Have a look around the house - it is okay for the house to be untidy, but not dirty - there is a difference! Also ask if there are smokers in the house.
The bathroom should be clean and easy enough for the children to get to, and the kitchen should also be clean, with anything hazardous to the children well out of reach.
There should be adequate toys and playthings for the children. Safety in the home should be well thought out such as, fireguards, smoke alarms, safety gates, a secure garden, a fire blanket, pot guard on the stove, and window locks on upstairs windows, if any. Household cleaning goods and medicines should also be well out of reach of the children.
If you find it difficult to ask the child minder the questions you have listed, then you might want to opt for another child minder - you should be able to communicate easily with the person who is going to be looking after your child.
Very importantly, have a good look at the other children - do they seem happy? Also, what is your child’s reaction on meeting the childminder - is your child comfortable?
