Caring for young children is a big job. A babysitter must be able to react quickly and correctly in case of an emergency.
Important Information
A
babysitter must know certain important information before the parents leave.
Make sure to get the parents to answer these questions before they leave:
·
Where are the parents going and
when will they return?
·
Is there a phone number where
parents, a relative and/or a neighbor can be reached in case of an emergency?
·
Do the children have special
food or medicine needs?
·
What time is bedtime?
·
Where is a flashlight in case
of a power failure?
·
Are there any special
instructions
·
Write your address on a card
and give it to the babysitter
·
Make sure they know any
emergency numbers (9-1-1, poison control)
·
Give all pertinent information
about the child (name, date of birth, medical conditions, medications/dosage,
allergies, etc.)
·
Have your home address clearly visible from the street and
posted near the phone.
·
If caring for infants or
physically challenged children, consider how to get them out of the house in
case of fire.
·
Be sure the home has a working
smoke alarm – test it
·
Know CPR.
Attend a childcare program.
·
If meals are to be cooked,
remember kitchen safety rules.
·
In an emergency, or if ever in
doubt, call 9-1-1.
·
If the home has a swimming
pool, be sure all gates, access doors, doggy doors and windows are closed and
locked.
·
A babysitter should NOT talk
on the phone when taking care of children (unless there is an emergency).
·
Don't open the door to
strangers, even if they claim to be friends or neighbors of the family, unless
parents gave prior authorization.
·
Keep doors and windows locked.
·
Never leave a child unattended
when in a bathtub.
·
Close and/or lock bathroom
doors when not in use.