This checklist is to support you as a nanny during your first session with a new family. Go through it point by point with the parents.
Contact persons
- Who is the contact person for bookings and emergencies?
- Contact person no. 2 (if contact person no. 1 does not answer)
- Exchange phone numbers with both
The children and the home
- Allergies and/or medication
- The children’s personalities and interests
- The child’s mood (e.g. tired after preschool?)
- The family’s rules and routines
- Routines regarding sweets / snack time / dinner etc.?
- Rules for video games / ipads etc.?
- Night time routines
- Quick tour around the house/area so you know where everything is
- Kitchen
- Vacuum and other cleaning materials (you are expected to leave the home in good conditions)
- Plasters and first aid kit
- Outdoor wear, change of clothes and shoes
- Are there any parks or playgrounds in the neighbourhood which the children enjoy visiting?
- Bathroom routines
- Go through diaper-change routines with the parents (ask them to show you if you are unsure!)
- Make sure to always change into a clean, new diaper before the parents come home
Pre-school
- Ask the parent(s) to inform the preschool if you are to pick up the child(ren)
- Note down the preschools address and department
- Is there a specific contact person at the preschool?
Other / General
- Do you need a key? – Notify the office so that we can send a key receipt to the family
- How will you arrange time bookings?
- What days/times will you meet?
- Are there any other special dates that the family already knows they need help with? (In addition to your regular meetings, check if you are available then!)
- Anything else the parents would like to bring up?
IMPORTANT! Confirm the time and date for your next work shift – or book a play date!
Even if the family has no immediate need for childcare, the meeting should still be booked. It is important for the child to spend time with you as a nanny early on, so that the child feels safe and comfortable when you, for example, pick them up at the preschool for the first time. Maybe book a play date just a few days after the introductory meet-up?