Volunteers

[Oneluckymom]

I just got a call...on my private cell number for a young girl looking for volunteer experience. She could not remember the lady who recommended me to her (it had to have been someone who has known me since it was my cell).

She wants to come 1 day maybe 2. For volunteers, what paperwork do I need her to bring, if I decide to have her here. Its still weird that she called me on my cell !

[DaisyMamma]

Do it!
Have her come for an interview so you can check her out while kids aren't there.
You should check with your state regs., but I'm willing to bet you need all the same paperwork as an employee.

[Starburst]

I also live in California

I used to volunteer (or just hang out and help when needed) at one of my frined's mom's home daycare when I was in high school. If its for a court thing (anything to do with violence/drugs/stealing) you may not be able to do it- or may personaly not want to do it (I personaly wouldn't). If she needs it for a graduation requirement make sure she gets it approved first,

I had another friend who when to my school and volunteered at the same place and got approved but when I did it the CS supervisor (who approved my other friend) wouldn't approve it. If she is under 18 she shouldn't really need a background check yet, but if she is over then she might need to be. I think either way she may need to get TB tested. And even though she is a free volunteer you need to keep all records of her working on file for at least 3 years (stated in Title 22) in case of liability issues. Also If she is under 18 (even if she is 16 or 17), I don't think you can leave her alone with children with out someone over 18 present.

Like PP said I would do an interveiw after DC hours. And you can ask her "So how did you hear about ***** ***** family child care?"- this is a common interview question without sounding creeped out.

Some other things you can ask :

"So you said you need community service expierience, is it a requirement for school or something else?" and also mention that before she can volunteer she needs to make sure that she has the appropriate paper work available for you.

"What do you expect your duties will be at the daycare?" Does she think she is just going to help you clean? Does she think she is just going to play with the kids? Does she think she is going to be helping in activities? This will let you know how serious she takes this responsibilty and what she is willing to do.

"What is your philosophy/personal beliefs about children/ childcare?" This lets you know if she thinks she is just "babysitting" or actually care about child. Beware of generic statements like "Children are our future" <- this always irritates me because its like Duh! What else would they be? Our past?

"how would you handle this situation....?" Come up with a minor (not too scary) situation like a child taking a toy from another child then the toyless child starts to cry, to see what their disiplanary style is, it doesn't even have to be an at "my daycare" situation so that way she wouldn't just say "I would call you and let you handle it".

"Do you have any expierience with children?" be wery of those who say "Sometimes I babysit my little brothers/sisters/cousins" or even just watching their own children because their are higher standards in child care than watching your own family members- just because they can work with their familie's kids doesn't mean they can work well with other families; because their family most likely has similar child rearing techniques/beliefs- a luxury not always given in non realative child care.