Babysitting Safety

Babysitting is a Job That Carries Big Responsibility

Do NOT treat babysitting as just a way to earn money. Approach the job with a mature and responsible attitude. Every babysitting assignment should be carefully planned to ensure the safety and well-being of both you and the children you are responsible for while babysitting.

Babysitting Safety Starts With You

Getting Started


1. Enroll and complete:

  • a First Aid/CPR course
  • a babysitting course which is available to young people over 11 years of age

2. Do NOT:

  •  advertise on bulletin boards as it may solicit unwelcome responses
  • accept a job if you don’t know the person calling - ask who recommended you and check back. If in doubt, refuse

3. Be businesslike and clearly state the days you are available, hours you may work, experience you have had and pay you consider fair.

4. Ask for a recent picture and the following information for each child and make a record and take the record to the job.

  • CHILD’S FULL NAME:
  • AGE:
  • HEIGHT:
  • WEIGHT:
  • HAIR:
  • EYES:
  • CLOTHING:
  • ALLERGIES:
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

5. Leave a note with your parents as to the time you will be expected home and the address and phone number of where you will be working. Arrange for transportation to and from the job.

Be Aware of the Following Telephone Numbers:


Police, Fire, Ambulance 9-1-1
All other Police related calls 416-808-2222
The Poison Information Center - (Hospital for Sick Children) 416-813-5900
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868

What Every Babysitter and Parent Should Know

When You First Get There


Review:

  • the parents cell phone number or a number where they can be reached at all times.
  • an escape plan with the parents, in case of a fire, an accident or other emergency.

Check that you have your list containing the child’s information and have it reviewed for accuracy. Make sure you have a current photo of the child and you have a written record of the street address.

While On The Job


Keep the children within sight at all times and make them your primary focus.
Avoid using earplugs/headphones.
Never invite your friends over while on the job.

Be prepared for incoming calls or if someone comes to the door.

NEVER tell anyone who calls that you are alone or are the babysitter:

  • tell them the parent cannot come to the phone
  • offer to take a message.

NEVER let a visitor to the property inside the home. Respond to their door knock or doorbell (unless other arrangements have been made) by speaking through a locked door.

  •  If you are suspicious, or suspect a prowler, stay inside and call the Police at 9-1-1

Dealing with Potential Issues 


NEVER allow yourself to be driven home by someone you suspect has been drinking. Tell them that you have made alternate arrangements and be sure to follow through.

Let your parents know of any problems or whether there was any time when you felt unsure, unsafe or uncomfortable.

Tips For Parents - Emergency Information


  • Give the babysitter a tour of your home and be sure to review your escape plan, pointing out marked exits, any potential hazards and areas that are off limits.

  • Make it clear to the babysitter that if there is smoke or fire, your only concern is that everyone is out of the house quickly and safely.

  • Emergency telephone numbers to the babysitter and provide them with an emergency contact sheet.

  • Ensure you have an emergency first aid kit and show the babysitter where it’s stored.

 

To report a crime anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at: 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or online at: www.222tips.com

In An Emergency: Call 9-1-1.

To report a crime to the Toronto Police that is not an emergency call 416-808-2222.

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