Babysitting: A Guide For Sitters
Frequently Asked Questions and Resources
The Super Sitter
(20 page PDF booklet from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
Accepting The Job...
You're in business for yourself, so be ready to tell your future employer:
- Days you are available.
- Pay you expect.
- Hours you are available.
- Experience you have had.
Know Your Employer...
If they are unfamiliar to you, ask who recommended you and check it out before accepting the
job. If in doubt, advise your parents. Do not advertise for babysitting jobs in
supermarkets, community bulletin boards, drug stores, or laundromats. You don't
know who will see your name and phone number.
Be Informed...
Obtain the parent's name, address, and telephone number.
- Number of children you will be sitting and their ages.
- Escort and transportation to and from the job.
- Hours you are expected to work.
On The Job...
- Have them show you all the doors and windows and how to operate any locks or alarms you
are unfamiliar with.
- Find out where first aid supplies, clean clothing, and fire extinguishers are located.
- Obtain any special instructions (children's snacks, bedtime, use of TV or radio).
When On Your Own...
- Check all the doors and windows after parents leave.
- Keep a constant watch on children to avoid any accidents.
- If you hear any suspicious noises, check them out by turning on the outside lights. Do
not go outside. If you suspect someone is there, call the police immediately.
- If you receive unusual or obscene telephone calls do not let the caller know you are
alone. Hang up and call the police.
- If someone comes to the door requesting the use of the telephone, do not let them in the
house. Make the call for them. If they attempt to enter, call the police.
- Keep drapes and shades closed and leave the lights on.
In Case of Fire...
In case of a fire, get the children out of the house first, then call the Fire
Department from a neighbor's home.
When Parent's Return...
Report any unusual happenings to the parents. Make certain you are escorted by an
adult. If your employer appears intoxicated, insist that someone else take you
home or call your parents to come and get you.
Where Are You Sitting
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:______________________________________________________________
Where Parents Will Be
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:______________________________________________________________
Close Friend, Neighbor, or Relative
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:______________________________________________________________
Family Doctor
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:______________________________________________________________
Hospital
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:______________________________________________________________
Mesa Police and Fire Department Emergencies
--
911
Other reports to police (stolen property, criminal damage, lost
items, etc.) -- 644-2211
The most common question we hear is "What should I charge?"
There is no set rate for babysitters to charge. Each area of the country will be
different. Check with your mom, relatives or friends that babysit and ask
them
what they charge.
Mesa Parks and Recreation offers babysitting classes. Check out the current issue of
Mesa
Time Out under Educational Workshops for class
and registration information.
The Red Cross sometimes offers a course in
Babysitting. Contact your local Red Cross for more information. In
Arizona, contact:
American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter
Chapter Headquarters – Piper Service Center
6135 North Black Canyon Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85015
(602) 336-6660 or (800) 842-7349
The American Red Cross also has a "Babysitters Handbook" with
topics such as safety, leadership, safe play, professionalism, basic care and
first aid. It can be ordered at http://www.redcross.org/pubs/#baby.
The Mesa Public Library has some excellent videos on babysitting (see below). You
can check them out just as you would check out a book. They also have several
books that deal with the subject of babysitting.
Babysitting 101...Your Complete Guide to Becoming the Best Babysitter
DR VHS
649.1024
8
B119Y
Babysitting -- The Basics and Beyond
DR YA VHS
649.1024
8
B119B
For first aid courses check with your local Red Cross.
You can also call your local 4-H organization to see if they offer a babysitting
certification course.
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