Interviewing potential providers about their previous experience, philosophy on discipline, ability to take direction regarding the kids even if they would make a different choice, CPR and First Aid training and asking for hypothetical solutions to some common child care issues- such as crying, refusing to nap, etc. are great places to start.
Once you have a provider in mind, be sure you ask them if they have been Trustlined. The Trustline Registry is different than background checks you will typically see on some babysitting databases.
Trustline is a program created by the California Legislature in 1987 and is the only background clearance program which is allowed access to three databases:
- The California Department of Justice Criminal History System
- The Child Abuse Central Index of California
- The FBI Criminal History System
If they have not registered with Trustline offer them the opportunity to apply to the Trustline Registry.
Stop by one of our offices, or visit you local Child Care Resource & Referral agency or call Trustline at 1-800-822-8490 for a short application.
The cost for the service is around $130 (payable to the California Department of Social Services) plus any roll-fees the fingerprinting agency may charge. Call your local law enforcement agency in California for more information on having fingerprints taken.
Since Trustline clearances are continually updated. This means if they commit a disqualifying crime after becoming Trustline cleared, they will be removed from the registry. You should call the registry periodically to ensure your provider is still listed in the Trustline database. Since your provider may likely use their clearance for other babysitting or nannying jobs, they may be willing to pay for the clearance or split the cost.
Using a Trustlined cleared provider is the right thing to do!
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