Police
Crime Prevention Tips - Security Tips for Babysitting
Be businesslike. Be ready to state clearly:
- day(s) you're available,
- hours you may work,
- experience you've had (infant, six-year-old, etc.), and
- pay you consider fair.
Get specific information. Save time and prevent misunderstandings later by jotting down details.
- Parents' name, address and phone number (business phone number if necessary).
- Number of children and ages.
- Escort and transportation that will be provided to and from the job. Even if you live only a few doors away, an escort is desirable.
Don't accept a babysitting job if you don't know the person calling. Ask who recommended you, then check back. If in doubt about the person calling, ask your parents — they may want to call the police.
Be prepared for the job. Prior to a first job with a family, plan for an advance visit to:
- get acquainted with the child or children.
- learn about the duties and arrangements.
Leave a note for your parents telling them:
- the name, address and phone number of the child's parents.
- the time you expect to be home.
Get complete instructions from the parents. Insist on specific details.
- Place(s) where the parents can be reached. Get telephone numbers, names and address of the people the parents will be visiting.
- Name and telephone number of the family doctor. Perhaps also a trusted neighbor or friend.
- Instructions for handling incoming telephone calls. Have a pencil and paper ready for taking messages.
- Information about locking doors and windows and lights to be left burning.
- Action to take if the doorbell rings.
- Bedtime rules for baby — and for older children.
- Special instructions such as diapers, baby's bottle, bedtime snacks, children's use of TV or radio, "lights out," etc..
Report any unusual happenings. Accept an escort to your home as planned; however, if a parent is to drive you home but appears to be intoxicated, insist on calling your own parents to make other arrangements.
When parents leave, you are in charge. Following are some responsibilities you should know about.
Strangers
- Guard against strangers.
- Do not unlock doors for anyone except in emergencies.
- Be suspicious about strange noises, a face at a window, or a telephone call that worries you.
- If babysitting outdoors, never talk to strangers. If someone annoys you, walk away.
In Case of Fire
- First get baby and other children out of the house or apartment.
- Call the Fire Department — from a neighbor's telephone if necessary.
Prevent Accidents
- Pick up toys left on stairs, in hall, or other passageways.
- Be alert to possible child hazards such as medicine in bathrooms, dangerous utensils in kitchen, and/or electrical outlets.
- Check frequently on children's play. Watch out for mischief if they are suddenly very quiet!
- Do not operate appliances or other electrical equipment unless given permission by parents.
Remember, You are a Guest!
- Take food only if you have permission. Eat moderately and wash any dishes you've used.
- Don't "explore." Don't open any closets or drawers or read personal letters left open to view.
- Don't allow friends to visit you while you're babysitting.
- Avoid making personal calls. Keep the telephone available for incoming calls from parents.
