Babysitting Safety

How to Stay Safe While Caring For Others

It’s YOUR responsibility

• Babysitting is a job that carries a large responsibility. DO NOT treat babysitting as just a way to earn money.

• Approach the job with a mature and responsible attitude.

Helpful Babysitting Hints

It would be a good idea to take the following courses:• Babysitting course (young people ages 11 years and

older)• First Aid/CPR course

Helpful Babysitting Hints…Cont’d

• Clearly state your availability, experience and the pay you consider to be fair

• Get specific information such as the parents’ names, address and phone number and references if you can.

• Write down all the information to avoid confusion or misunderstandings

• Check with your parents for their opinions on the people and the job.

DO NOT…

• Accept a job if you don’t know the person calling – ask who recommended you… then check back. Ask your parents for their opinion, check the references (who recommended you to them)

• If in doubt, refuse.• If you advertise on bulletin boards. It may

solicit unwanted responses.

Precautions to take when babysitting

• Check all windows and lock all doors

• Do not admit anyone without prior permission from your employer

• Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are the babysitter

What to do if a fire starts

• Get the children out of the home and call 9-1-1

• Do not re-enter the home

• Keep close watch on the children so that they do not try and re-enter the home.

• Contact the home owner

Prevent Accidents

• Pick up toys left on the stairs, in hall or other pathways

• Be alert to possible child hazards (medicines in bathroom, dangerous utensils, electrical outlets)

Prevent Accidents…Cont’d

• Check frequently on children while they are playing

• Do not operate appliances or equipment, unless permission was given by your employer.

Street Smart

• If someone invites you and the children into their home or car ALWAYS say NO, unless your employer has given you permission.

• Do not take the children to secluded parks, woods, parking lots, or even school yards at anytime, particularly late afternoon or evening.

Attending after School Activities

• Plan the best route with your employer, avoiding unsafe/dangerous places.

• Stay on that route and identify your neighbourhood safe houses, businesses, or stores you can go to in an emergency.

Attending After School Activities… Cont’d

• Always listen to your instincts, that little voice inside that tells you when something does not feel quite right.

Required Information List• A number where your

employer can be reached

• The children’s routes to and from school

• Neighbours or friends phone numbers

• Emergency numbers: Poison Information Center, Police, Fire Department, and Ambulance

Required Information List… Cont’d

• Location of the children’s health cards

• Medical Background for each child: allergies, epileptic seizures, etc

If you were in trouble, whom would you choose to help you?

• Police Officer• Firefighter• Paramedics• Neighbours• Teacher• Uniformed Bus Driver• Store Clerks

While babysitting, DO NOT…

• Eat any food unless you have permission

• Open closets or drawers or read personal letters open to view

• Allow friends to visit you while you’re babysitting

• Make prolonged personal phone calls

Information You Should Have While on the Job

• Leave a note with your parents as to the time you will be expected home & the phone number and address of the home you are at

• Ensure you have specific instructions for handling incoming calls – NEVER tell anyone who calls or visits that you are alone

• Know where your employer can be reached

Every babysitting assignment should be carefully planned to ensure the safety and well being of both child

and babysitter.