1. Caring for Infants and Children What are characteristics of a good childsitter?

2. Childsitting A childsitter’s checklist  Qualifications Knowledge of 1 st aid and CPR  Personal Parent’s or guardians approval to childsit  The child or children You meet the child or children learn their names/ages  Know possible health needs Allergies, health problems etc.  Details Details of the house  Information Where are the parents going, what emergency numbers might you need?

3. Characteristics of a Childsitter Observant and alert Calm during emergencies Able to follow instructions Trained in first aid Able to recognize safety hazards Able to communicate with adults Able to communicate with children Patient and friendly

4. How to care for Infants and Toddlers Newborns to one-year-olds  Need to feel secure  Cry when they are hungry  Like to touch things and put things into their mouth One to three-year-olds  Need to feel secure  Want to be independent  Still egocentric

5. Childsitter’s skills for the care of infants and toddlers Know how to pick up and hold a baby Know what to do when a baby cries Know what to do if an infant or toddler is sick Know how to change a diaper Know how to feed a baby/child Know how to burp a baby

6. SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrom  The sudden unexplained death of an infant younger than one year  SIDS is responsible for over 3,000 deaths each year in the US  It is the leading cause of death among babies between the ages of two and four months

7. Causes of SIDS The cause of SIDS is not known for sure

8. Caring for Young Children Three to Five year olds  Children in this age range enjoy playing with friends  Like to learn numbers and play simple games  Can be active and aggressive Five to Eight year olds  Need to socialize with others  Be a part of the conversation  Like to ask questions  Easily influenced by adults

9. Childsitters’ skills for the care of young children Know what to do when the child is afraid Know what to do if the child is having a tantrum  Time out – a calming down period of time Know how to help a young child learn Know what to do if a child refuses to go to bed Know what to do if a child is sick Know how to be safe around water Know how to be safe around streets Know to be aware of potential hazards

10. Review ________ is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant A _______ is a person who assumes a great amount of responsibility for a child. If a child has a tantrum, he or she might need a ____________.