This fall semester, I have a 4 PM class on T/Th, for which I'll need to leave the house by about 2:45 or so. Obviously, David can't leave work that early all the time, so I have to find a babysitter. I've posted a job ad on the Furman job board, and am starting to get calls/emails from interested parties. They know that I have three boys, and their ages. But they don't know about Evan's Down syndrome.
My question is: when (if ever) do I tell them? When I call them for the first time? When they come to interview/meet the boys? After they start working? Never? I'm not sure what to do, because it's really not relevant to the job responsibility, but it is, kind of, in a way. Maybe. As you can see, I'm lost. Tell me what to do!
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8 comments:
I'd mention it when you call them (or email) for the first time. Be matter-of-fact about it, but they should know.
I don't know much about Furman, but I just looked at their web site quickly and saw they have a special education concentration. Maybe too cynical, but...some student there would probably be excited to have some genuine special needs experience to put on their resume.
I would mention it, too. Right up front and matter-of-factly, like Cate suggested.
If you don't and the person comes for the interview, s/he may be put off that you didn't mention it initially, and then s/he would spend a lot of time wondering why, and then you may lose an otherwise great candidate. Not mentioning it almost makes it a big deal.
But mentioning it, matter-of-factly, lets the candidate know that the diagnosis isn't a big deal at all to you, and that it shouldn't be a big deal to s/he either. In other words, we are what we are what we are.
I like Cate's suggestion of accessing the special ed department also. And I agree with everyone about being matter-of-fact and telling them upon the first conversation. It would be good to emphasize the ways that Evan is simply a typical toddler growing up more and more each day like we've been talking about this week.
Yup. What they said.
Tammy and Parker
I agree too - I babysat a lot before I was married and I always appreciated someone telling me everything I needed to know about their kids up front...just gets everything off on the right foot, and when they see you're making the effort to keep them informed they will make a greater effort in caring for your kids.
I agree with the others....up front is the best policy and matter-of-fact since that's all it really is, fact. Same as "so and so takes a nap from 2-4.
Ditto ditto ditto. :)
Definately DITTO .
You'll see from their reaction if they are your type or not.
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