Bell Ringer n On your worksheet list at least 5 characteristics you think a responsible caregiver should have. ***Put a star next to the traits you have!***

6.01 Discuss Characteristics of Responsible Caregiving Teen Living

What Do Kids Need? “It takes a village to raise a child.” - African Proverb n Nurture – to help grow and develop; to provide support.

What Can I Do? “Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” “Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” –Richard L. Evans

Who Does What? n Here are some responsibilities of a caregiver: –Make arrangements for your own transportation. –Arrive at the job on times. –Record information provided by the parents. –Make sure you have contact information for parents.

Who Does What? –Have emergency numbers handy. –Put the child’s needs and safety first. –Be ethical. –Follow household rules and routines. –Treat the home where you are working with care. –Entertain children with appropriate activities. –Caring for the children is your responsibility. –Inform parents on issues with children and any phone messages upon their return.

What Can I Do? n While caring for children: –Be ethical n Do not snoop in the home. n Do not gossip about the family/children. n You should NOT entertain friends while you are caring for children. n Follow the rules that you would be expected to follow in any paid job !

What Can I Do? –Entertaining Children n Remember that the parent is paying you to watch and entertain their child or children. n If you are allowed to watch television or spend time on the computer while sitting, make sure what you are watching is appropriate for both you and the children.

What Can I Do? –Priorities n Remember that the children are your first priority. Their needs and safety come first.

–Responsibilities n Most parents will inform you what duties they expect. n The child’s routine for naps and bedtime is very important as children tend to be better behaved if they have adequate rest and sleep. n It is important to follow the parents’ instructions as they will probably determine if you get another job at this home or if they recommend you to other parents.

What Can I Do? –Facilities n Take care of the furniture and possessions at the children’s home.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? n Medical care –Only give medication if instructed to do so. –Ask parent to write down medication, the correct dosage, the time to give it, as well as food/drink requirements that are needed with the medicine.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? n Safety –Never leave a child alone. –Always keep poison and household products out of the reach of children. –Make sure that electrical plugs are covered. –Remove broken toys or inappropriate toys from the reach of young children.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? n Shelter –Keep doors and windows locked. n Sleep –Younger children need naps during the day. –Children need a routine for bedtime that is set by the parents.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? n Clothing –Make sure the clothing worn by the child is appropriate for the weather. n Exercise –Children should get exercise and be physically active each day. –Limit exercise and activity before bedtime as it can keep the child from being able to sleep.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? n Bottles –Check the formula temperature by shaking a drop of formula inside the caregiver’s wrist to make sure it isn’t too hot. –Never warm a bottle in the microwave.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? n Food –Always check with the parent before giving an infant or child food. –Be aware that some children have food allergies. –Remember that some foods can create choking situations.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? n Hygiene –Children need a bath daily. –Never leave young children alone in a bathtub with water as they could turn on the hot water or drown in the water.

How Do I Meet Their Needs? “Food is the most common cause of non-fatal choking accidents. Toys are the most common cause of choking deaths.” - “Food is the most common cause of non-fatal choking accidents. Toys are the most common cause of choking deaths.” -