What You Should Know About Informal Childcare Staff

Informal childcare staff is necessary to care for children while their parents are at work. This includes babysitters, nannies, and au pairs. However, there is a lack of data on the informal childcare workforce and how they perform. The article summarizes some of these findings and what can be done to fix them.

Informal childcare staff are usually unlicensed and work in settings such as babysitting, nannying, or Au Pairing. They may also work in daycare centers, but are not required to have any formal training or certification.

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Because of this, it's important to make sure that you know exactly what your informal childcare provider is comfortable with and what their experience is before you leave your child in their care. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing an informal childcare provider: 

Make sure they are comfortable with the ages of your children. You don't want to leave a newborn with someone who has only experience caring for older kids.

 

Ask about their experience. How long have they been babysitting? Do they have any young children of their own? 

Discuss your expectations. What kinds of activities do you want them to do with your kids? What bedtime routine do you have? 

Get a feel for their personality. Do they seem like someone your kids will get along with? Do they seem responsible and mature?