1.     Be punctual. If possible, arrive 10 - 15 minutes earlier so that parents have time to brief you before they leave for their engagements.

2.     Get the important phone numbers and emergency contact numbers. Bring an emergency checklist just in case the parents don't have one.

3.     Include the full names of children and parents and any necessary medical information about the children such as allergies.

4.     Find out where is the toilet, the water and the milk for the child.

5.     Ask when was the last meal (if necessary medication) that the child took.

6.     If the family owns a pet, and you are not comfortable with the pet, request for the pet to be placed in a room or outside. Your responsibility is towards the children, not the animals.

7.     Check that the house is child safe:-

a)     Close the doors to rooms especially if the house is windy,

b)    Take note of sharp table corners, low hanging appliances or decorations that the child may sweep/pull of the tables

c)     Ensure that the floor is not cluttered with objects such as slippers, newspapers or items that the child may put in their mouths

d)    Ensure that items like medications, creams, and any other sharp objects are out of touch from the children.

e)     Ensure that the doors to the toilet and kitchen are closed.

 f)     If the house is located on higher floors, check that there are window grills, or the windows are silled. If the windows are opened, ensure that there are no chairs near the windows.

8.     Find out the schedule the parents have set for the children such as the bed times or eating habits, and familarise yourself with them. You should try to adhere to the routines that the parents have set. This will help in setting the expectations and reduce behavioural problems.

9.     Do interact with the child. Always be prepared to play some games with the child. Find out the likes and dislikes of the child, their favourite book or their favourite toy. But you should have the ultimate say, as you are the adult and they are the children. Hence you will always be responsible for them while the parents are not around.

10.  Be honest with the parent and give honest feedback about any problems encountered.

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