Childcare Possibilities - What to ask?

I think you have to ask all of those questions to get an idea of things.

When I was finding a carer for Ella I just talked to them about themselves and got a bit of their background (i.e. how long they had been an educator, why they wanted to do it etc), looked around their home, asked about pets, other children, normal day-to-day activities, toddler/baby proofing the house, First aid training (if you are going thru an agency then they should provide first aid training for all educators), talked about the agency provided and what follow up they did. I brought Ella with me and observed how they interacted with her. We also talked about Ella's routine and what sort things she likes to do. For the educator I choose, I also went back with Ella to meet her children (they weren't there for the first meeting, but would be normally home while Ella was there) and to see how they were with her.

You could also the agency or educator if you can speak to the parents of any other children that the educator looks after.

They should be able to provide the portacot and you provide the bedding.

Good luck

Thanks, its really scary thinking that i have to leave her with someone i dont know! How did anyone ever manage.
Also would you personally consider placing your baby with someone private? I have 2 people that are not registered through like pose or anything but have references and other children. One sounds really good, her last placement was twin boys she cared for for 3 years. Shes willing to pick Kylah up in the morning and has 2 other children she cares for. She has a room set up with portacots etc. I just feel a little uneasy that shes not 'with' a company..

I definitely think all your questions should be asked - although if you did go through somewhere like porse or kidstart (barnardos) then they'd check on the fencing, first aid, etc etc.

The difference between a private nanny and somewhere like porse is that porse have ec teachers visiting the caregivers, helping them with ideas if they need help with the children etc. Porse caregivers also have to fill out a book for your child with what they've been doing, observations etc, and are also encouraged to continue training. It's also more of a support network, and you are able to talk to the programme tutor about issues as well. There are lots of outings and events too, and a weekly playgroup with other nannies and children so they get that large group interaction as well.

Of course there's always nannies who are very well trained who aren't through an agency, might be quite hard to find though. I guess having the company as back up would give me peace of mind.