Childcare Kit: How to Recruit, Screen and Monitor Baby-Sitters and Caregivers

Kelly L. Green is editor of the Canadian Book Review Annual’s
Children’s Literature edition.

Campeau has performed a great service for parents who live far from
extended family and must rely upon the kindness of strangers with regard
to their children. She has given them the tools to turn those strangers
into intimates before they hand over their children for an hour or a
day. Her guide features information every parent should have handy when
considering caregivers, such as how to assess out-of-home childcare
facilities and staff and what to look for (and avoid) in an in-home
caregiver, as well as information important to both parents and
caregivers about discipline, naptime, equipment, and emergencies. She
even includes sample caregiver application forms, interview questions,
and contracts. All parents would do well to study this crucial document
before leaving their children with others. Childcare centres and
caregivers themselves should also have this affordable publication on
hand to lend or give their clients.