The Reference Checklist

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This check list is helpful when interviewing daycares, babysitters, coaches and school trip supervisors...

We welcome your suggestions

Please feel free to improve it any way you can, if we find your suggestion useful we will add your information to the Reference Checklist page. We plan to publish the final draft in July. Then you will always find it here on Street Smart Kidz and be able to download it any time you need it. I look forward to your suggestions. email info@streetsmartkidz.ca

Applicant Information

Full Name _____________________________________________________________

Nick Name (if applicable) ______________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ________________ Email Address: _________________________

Driver's License # ( or provincial ID #)____________________________________

References

Company Name_______________________________________________________

Date From___________________________ Date To__________________________

Contact Name_______________________ Position__________________________

Contact Phone____________________________

Contact Address_______________________________________________________

*ALL the above information MUST be filled in

Questioning the Reference

Now it's time to question the references, be in a quiet room, pay attention to what you are being told, but more importantly, what your NOT being told, and don't skip any questions, because when the reference check is over, you will need to analyze all the info and come to a general conclusion by writing down what made you feel good, and what set off warning signals.

Discuss your notes about the following questions, with a mate, family member or close friend

Verify The Above Information By Asking The Following:

The References Questions

Dates of employment From________________________ To ________________________

Last salary _______________________

Will there be someone on site at all times with FIRST AID TRAINING? ______________________________________________________________________________

Last job title______________________________

Responsibilities________________________________________________________________

Would you hire them again? why?_____________________________________________

why not______________________________________________________________________

Tell me about their interpersonal skill's ______________________________________________________________________________

How was their general attendance? ______________________________________________________________________________

Would you be comfortable leaving your children with this person?______________________________________________________________________

If not why? __________________________________________________________________

How much supervision do they need?________________________________________________________________________

More Important Information

Signals To Listen For (reading between the lines)

does the person answer right away, or is the phone quiet for a few seconds
are they stuttering and stammering, looking for answers, or is there a natural easy flow to the conversation

To Do List

PLEASE, complete this form for every situation where your child needs to be left with a stranger.
Use at least three references for each person you plan to allow around your children.
ask a lot of questions, take notes and keep in mind that the references could be fake.
follow through by phoning each and every reference
then give yourself a pat on the back for being a good parent

Steven