1. ©Learning ZoneXpress

2. Introduction What is childcare? Why be a babysitter?
Childcare is the act of caring for and supervising a child (or children) from 0-16 years of age while the primary caregiver is away from home.
Babysitting is a type of childcare.
Why be a babysitter?
Most young people become babysitters because:
They enjoy children!
It’s a good way to earn money.
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3. Qualities of a Sitter What are parents looking for in a sitter?
Loves interacting and playing with children!
Respects parent’s privacy, the home, and things in it.
Responsible
Knows safety rules and first aid.
Honest & Courteous
Knowledgeable
Knows about child care and development.
Reliable
Shows up on time and doesn’t cancel at the last minute.
Healthy body, mind & spirit!
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4. Getting Experience How do you get experience as a sitter?
Help your parents with younger brothers and sisters.
Work as a “parent helper”, playing with a child while the parent is at home.
“Volunteer” to babysit for a neighbor or friend for a short time.
Ask to go along with an experienced sitter as an unpaid helper.
Work with younger children at a nursery, YMCA, or community center to get experience while being supervised.
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5. Before Accepting a Job Interview the Parents
Questions for the interview:
How many children and how old are they?
What do they enjoy doing?
How long will you be needed?
Do the children have any special health concerns or food allergies?
Will there be any responsibilities?
Meals, giving baths, putting the children to bed, or taking care of pets?
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6. More interview questions to ask:
What are the normal routines?
Snack times, bedtime rituals, and playtime rules.
If you’ll be preparing meals or snacks?
What are the rules?
TV watching
Computer use
How will you get to and from the job?
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7. Accepting a Job Ask your parents before you accept the job.
Let your parents know how to reach you.
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8. Babysitter’s Information Card
When You Arrive
Use a Babysitter’s Information Card
Parents’ Names:
Babysitter’s Information Card
Nearby relative or friend: Phone number:
Child’s Health Information:
Child’s doctor: Phone number:
Emergency Number:
Phone number where parents can be reached:
Home address: Home phone:
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9. When You Arrive
Arrive on time.
If it is your first time at a house, arrive 15 minutes early. Greet the children, have a tour of the house and ask questions of the parents.
Discuss the rules and procedures with the parents before they leave…
If at all possible discuss the rules with child in the room, so it is clear that you understand what the parent expects.
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10. To Help With Discipline…
Before they leave ask the parents:
What areas of the house are off limits to me and the kids?
Is anyone expected to stop by or call while you are gone and are they allowed to come in?
Do you want me to answer the phone?
Ask the children what activities they want to do and plan fun, interactive activities to keep children busy.
Make sure to be firm with the children — you are the responsible caregiver.
Discuss the events of the evening when the parents come home.
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11. Safety Tips to Following While Babysitting
For you and the children's safety:
If the parents want you to answer the house phone, make sure not to tell people you are home alone.
Say, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith are unavailable. May I take a message?”
Take the message neatly and show the parents when they return.
Don’t be on your cell phone!
You may not hear a child, he or she may wander away into trouble.
The parents may not be able to reach you.
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12. More Safety Tips More safety tips:
Be sure that the windows and doors are locked.
You might want to close the curtains or shades in the evening too.
Do not open the door, allow the kids to open the door or allow anyone into the house.
Only if the parents told you of a specific person to allow in.
Stay awake while babysitting.
Even if the kids are sleeping! It’s a good idea to check on them every 15 to 30 minutes to be sure they’re okay.
Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t seem right or makes you feel uneasy — call an adult or dial 911.
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13. What To Do In an Emergency
Emergency Situations
What To Do In an Emergency
Stay as calm as possible.
Reassure the child everything will be okay.
Call the child’s parents first and explain the situation.
If the emergency is very serious dial
Sometimes, a sitter will have to call for emergency help first and the child’s parents second.
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14. First Aid Basic procedures to know:
Where are the bandages kept for cuts?
For minor cuts and scrapes:
Wash your hands before treating.
Gently wash cut with soap and water.
Pat dry, and cover with a bandage.
Wash your hands after treating.
Use ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth for bumps and bruises.
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15. Serving a Snack Always wash your hands before preparing food.
Have a fun & creative snack!
Choking Hazards For Young Children
Some snacks can be inappropriate or even dangerous for the child’s age for example: popcorn, raisins, and peanuts are choking hazards for infants and toddlers.
Check with the parents beforehand to see if the snack is okay.
Ask if any of the children have food allergies.
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16. Fun Snacks Ideas… Microwave Popcorn
This a favorite of most kids, but be sure to get instructions from parents, as microwave ovens vary.
*This would not be a good snack for infants and toddlers because it could cause the to choke.
Fish in the River
Fill a celery stick with some low-fat cream cheese or other cheese spread and top with fish-shaped crackers.
Trail Mix
Let the kids pick the ingredients and stir together M&M’s, Cheerios, fish-shaped crackers, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, raisins, etc. Serve in cups or bowls.
*This would not be a good snack for infants and toddlers because it could cause them to choke.
Ants on a Log
Spread peanut butter on a stick of celery and put raisin “ants” on the top.
Bagel/Cracker Faces
Spread half a bagel/ cracker with cream cheese or peanut butter and make a face on it with raisins, fruit snacks, or cereal.

17. Babysitter’s Bag – Items For You and The Children
Items for the children:
Projects
Crayons, colored paper, markers, and play dough.
Books
Bring lots of age-appropriate books!
Games
Bring cards, a board game or a puzzle that a child might enjoy playing.
Puppets & Dress-Up Clothes
Pack a few puppets and create a puppet show!
Bring some dress-up clothes and create a play!

18. Babysitter’s Bag Continued
Last option:
Videos/DVD/Computer Games
Kids enjoy watching a movie or playing a computer game, but be sure it’s okay with the parents first.
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19. Babysitter’s Bag Continued
Some things for you:
A snack (in case you get hungry).
-Do not assume you can eat their food unless the parents offer.
Flashlight (in case the power goes out).
Important phone numbers.
First Aid Kit.
A book or magazine to read after the kids go to bed.

20. When the Kids Go to Bed
Make the house looks as neat as it did when you arrived.
Before the children go to bed, ask them to help you pick up toys and put them away.
Wash the dishes after snacks or meals.
The house should look just as good if not better than when you arrived.

21. When The Parents Get Home
Be sure to let the parents know how the job went.
Tell them what you did, what time the children went to bed and how their behavior was.
If there were any problems let the parents know, this helps prevents issue later.
Thank the parents for hiring you!

22. On a Babysitting Job You Should Never…
Sleep on the job - The child might need you or there could be an emergency.
Take your eyes off the child or leave them unattended - That is when accidents happen and the child could get hurt.
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23. What Should You Charge? When setting your rate, think about:
The going rate in your area (ask around!)
Your experience - you can usually charge more as you have more experience, especially with infants or toddlers.
The number of children.
The responsibility of the job.
Serving meals and doing light housecleaning are part of the job.
Number of hours worked.
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24. What Should You Charge? Tips on talking about fees:
Don’t be afraid to tell people what you charge.
Sometimes even the parents can feel uncomfortable talking about money.
Say, “When Mrs. Johnson suggested me, she may have told you my hourly rate is $___ per hour.”
The starting rate is around $5.00 per hour for 1 child. You can add more money for each additional child.
Don’t be afraid to say “no” to jobs where you have not been paid properly.

25. A Final Note… Good Luck and have FUN babysitting! Polite Professional
When parents leave you with their children, they are leaving you their most precious possessions. A responsible sitter knows this, and is:
Polite
Professional
and… Caring
Good Luck and have FUN babysitting!
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