1. OVERVIEW TO THE BABYSITTER’S BACKPACK THE BABYSITTER’S BACKPACK

2. Gain an understanding of the developmental ages and stages of children Learn how to implement active reading with children Acquire tools for discipline, creating activities, and working with all types of children Learn the basics for interviewing and practice interviewing skills Gain an understanding of how to market yourself Earn a Certificate of Completion to give to parents

3. HOW TO USE THIS COURSE

4. *BEFORE COMPLETING THIS COURSE Take a CPR/first-aid class. This is one of the most important things you can do. Go to: www.redcross.org/take-a-class to find a class near you. www.redcross.org/take-a-class It’s hard to know when is the right age to babysit. Use the fact sheet “Are You Ready?” to help you know when you are ready to babysit. Research shows that age 11 is a good time to start, but most states do not have a age requirement for babysitting.

5. Babysitting Basics – learning how to hold a baby, change a diaper, give a baby a bottle, putting a baby to bed, and taking basic care of children. Best Practices for Baby – understanding how to keep children safe, learning safe practices for answering the phone and door, and learning the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Babysitting Breakdown – learning the ages and developmental stages of children, understanding how to create and implement age appropriate activities, and learning how to read to children Best Behavior – understanding, implementing, and practicing positive discipline techniques The Business of Babysitting – learning strategies and ideas for marketing and securing babysitting jobs, understanding best practices for a successful interview, and participating in a mock interview. Extra Resources: to give more in-depth resources, four fact sheets are included: Ages and Stages, Business of Babysitting, How to Interview, and Positive Discipline.

6. This course is not intended to certify expertise in childcare. Certification in this course is not guaranteed to reflect complete participation or childcare experience.