Babysitters' Guide
Caring for young children is one of the biggest responsibilities you will ever have. You must be able to protect yourself as well as the children.
Getting the Job
- Know your employer. Babysitting for strangers may not be safe
- Know when the employer expects to return, and let the employer know how much you charge, and when you have to be home
- Leave the name, address and telephone number of your babysitting location with your parents, and tell them what time your employer expects to be home
On the Job
- Before your employer leaves, fill out the babysitter’s safety checklist at the end of this material. Keep the form and a pencil and paper near the telephone
- Do a safety check with your employer throughout the home so you are familiar with it
- Know how to work the door and window locks in the home. Leave at least one outside light on
- If the telephone rings while you're babysitting, don't tell the caller that you're alone
- Do not open the door to strangers, and don't tell anyone who comes to the door that you're there alone
- During the day you might have the children out in the yard. If you are in back, make sure the front door is locked and vice versa
- If you take the children out to the park or anywhere else, make sure you have the house key with you when you leave
- Have the children go to the bathroom before you leave to avoid having to use public restrooms
- When you are out with the children, do not talk to strangers. If you suspect you are being followed at any time, go to a nearby home or business and call the police
- When you return home, if anything seems unusual - a broken window, an open door do not go in. Go to a neighbor's, and call 911 for the police
In an Emergency
- If you suspect a fire, get the children and yourself outside. Go to a neighbor's house and call 911 for the fire department
- In any kind of emergency, stay calm. The most important thing to remember is that young children will not panic if you do not
- Call your employer after calling 911 for emergency services to respond
When The Job Is Over
- When your employer returns home, report what happened
- Call home to let someone know you are on your way. Have an escort home
- If, for some reason your employer will not drive or walk you home, or seems intoxicated , ask someone at your home to get you
Babysitting Safety Checklist
Important items or things to have include:
- Address and phone number
- Allergies List
- Cellphone number
- Child(ren)'s doctor and phone number
- Emergency neighbor contact
- Medications
- Night light
- Poison Control Center
- Police or Fire Emergency Phone: 911
- Special instructions or routines to follow
- Where the parents will be