Have participants say their names, ages of siblings, babysitting experience and why interested in taking this program.
Explain sessions, topics and speakers. If attend all six sessions and participate fully - will receive a certificate and wallet card. If available, distribute folders for participants to keep their papers in. Spend a few minutes decorating them. Prepare a question box. Participants or leaders can deposit questions as they come up. Check the box at the beginning and end of each session. Address questions.
Distribute handout and allow group to complete. Review why these issues are important with the group.
Distribute and allow time to complete. May be done individually or in small groups. Go over answers. Be sure participant's name is on the form. Collect and store in a safe place. Repeat at the end of the last session. Compare each participant's to measure knowledge gained.
Break into groups, if numbers allow. Give each group a paper and pen. Have each group choose a scribe, reporter, and taskmaster. Brainstorm responsibilities of a babysitter:
What do you need to know: about children? about parents? about the house? about schedules? times? about fees? cash or check? about transportation?
Tape papers to wall. Have reporters read lists. Distribute "Babysitters' Checklist" and go over with group. Cross off similarities; add different items. Make a "List of Responsibilities" which all participants will get at the end of series. (An example is given at the end of Outline 6.)
Distribute handout. Discuss when it will be due.
Ask each participant to bring an article or picture relating to an accident in the home.
Being a babysitter is perhaps the first paying job you will have. It can be fun as well as rewarding. However, it is a big responsibility. Before you decide to take that first babysitting job, think about the following points. Knowing what strengths you have is the first step to understanding what kind of a babysitter you will be.
1. I like children. (true/ false)
2. I know a lot of games to play with children. (true/ false)
3. I am willing to learn what I need to know. (true/ false)
4. I try to be calm and understanding in arguments. (true/ false)
5. People tell me I am good with children. (true/ false)
6. As a babysitter, I realize keeping the child safe and happy is my first priority and that what I want to do comes second. (true/ false)
7. I like to read aloud. (true/ false)
8. I know some first aid and am willing to learn more. (true/ false)
9. I am responsible. (true/ false)
10. I am confident in talking with adults. (true/ false)
11. I am in good physical health. (true/ false)
12. I realize that all families are different, and I can be flexible. (true/ false)
13. I know it is important to write down all instructions from parent(s). (true/ false)
14. I know I should not gossip about the family I babysit for. (true/ false)
1. What are the two main responsibilities of a babysitter?
1.
2.
2. List three things you should know before the parents leave. (There are a lot of answers.)
1.
2.
3.
3. Name two things a good babysitter should not do while babysitting.
1.
2.
4. The child you are babysitting has just swallowed an unknown number of aspirins. What should you do?
5. The two-month-old baby you are taking care of is crying. What might be the matter?
6. The children have just gone to bed and you hear a knock at the door; what should you do?
7. You should feed the children only what the parents have told you to. (true/ false)
8. A babysitter is expected to keep the children entertained. (true/ false)
9. All toys are designed so that they can be used by all ages. (true/ false)
10. In case of emergency, name two places or people (and their phone numbers) who can help you.
1.
2.
Name of Person(s) Sitting for
Home Address
Home Phone
Where person(s) can be reached:
Name
Address
Phone
Emergency Information
*Write number appropriate to family you are sitting for.
Neighbor:
Name
Phone
Address
Police Department Phone
Fire Department Phone
Poison Control Center Phone
Family Doctor* Phone
Community Health Clinic* Phone
Emergency Health Service* Phone
Other Phone
Meal:
When?
What?
Sleep:
When?
Routine Play:
Special Likes?
Dislikes?
Medicine:
What?
When?
How doors and windows lock
Location of exits - doors, windows, stairs, and fire escapes
Location of phone(s)
Location of light switches and fuse box
Location of first aid supplies
Location of child(ren)'s room, food, clothing and toys
As a babysitter, your job is to keep the children safe and entertained. So, it is a good idea to have a "bag" ready with fun things to bring with you. Your Babysitter's Magic Bag is a collection of items that are inexpensive and easily found in your home, at tag sales, or thrift shops.
To carry around your collection you will need something sturdy. There are many things you can use for this:
1. Make a bag with a drawstring closure (from terrycloth towel, pillowcase, or any sturdy cloth).
2. Use a strong plastic or paper shopping bag with handles.
3. Decorate an old box.
It is important that the items you put in can help a child use his imagination and discover things about his/her surroundings. Here are a number of suggestions to start you thinking. Make sure all items are safe and not broken.
Article:
These might be used for:
Band-Aids (colorful) -
Small cuts or scrapes and to quiet an upset child.
Memo pad and pen or pencil -
Writing down information from parent(s).
Flashlight -
If lights go out or shadow wall games.
Paper bags, paper plates -
Making masks, hats, puppets. Putting familiar items in bag and playing "guess the object."
Blunt scissors, crayons, glue, tape, old magazines, construction paper -
Cutting, drawing, putting things together.
Odds and ends: fabric scraps, uncooked macaroni, dried beans, cotton balls -
Making collages, decorating hats, masks, etc.
FOR INFANTS:
Small rubber toys, soft stuffed animals, large plastic beads or empty thread spools and a shoe string. The young infant can chew on rubber toys and cuddle stuffed animals; older babies can thread the beads or spools.
Books, large interesting pictures (from magazines, posters, etc.)
Reading to children and encouraging them to tell stories and give descriptions.
Return to Babysitters' Program Table of Contents
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