Childcare intructions

[binny]

Hi

Im teaching my 4th graders about child care right now. Its to earn a badge for our Caravans troop.


This is the first part that I found online and would love to see any additions you might have.
I have also copied off a phone list with childs info for them


Thanks!


"Before the parents leave:

Make sure you have been given a tour of the house.
Make sure you know the address and phone number of the home where you are babysitting in case the police or fire departments need it.
Make sure you know how to leave the house in an emergency.
Make sure you know the rooms in which children are not allowed.
Make sure you know how to use any baby equipment (high chair, stroller, crib, baby monitor; how to heat a baby bottle).
Make sure you know how to put a baby to sleep if needed.
Make sure you know how to operate the home's burglar alarm or electronic garage door opener if necessary.

House rules for babysitter:

Never open the door for anyone including delivery people, neighbors, or children's friends. If a stranger persists in knocking or ringing the bell, call 911.
Never let any of your friends in the house.
Never give a child any food or medicine unless instructed to do so.
Never leave a child alone when eating or in the kitchen.
Never leave a child outdoors alone.
Never go outdoors and leave the children alone inside.
Never drink or eat anything hot while holding a baby.
Never leave a baby or child alone to answer the phone.
Never tell someone on the phone that you are the babysitter and the parents are out.
Never go outside to check on a noise.
Never stay inside if you hear a fire or smoke alarm, or if you smell smoke.

Foods not to be given to children younger than 4 (may cause choking):

Raw carrots, hard candy, gum, popcorn, celery, grapes, nuts, raisins, hot dogs

What to do in case of fire:

For a small kitchen fire, use a fire extinguisher if you know how to operate it.


If not, call the fire department (911).


If a larger fire, gather all the children immediately and get out of the house using closest door or window.


Touch the door first. If hot to the touch, do not open. Find another way out.
Print this form for future references. Your changes will not be saved."





We are also compiling a list of things to bring in a bag for the kids that they will (eventually) babysit.

Dont get me wrong this isnt a babysitting course, this is just a badge on basic childcare.

 

[disykat]

Allergies or medication info

 

[barkley]

don't let little ones play with balloons (choking hazard)
don't open the door to anyone who is claiming to be a family member of the child (the parents can give the sitter a password that would permit an adult entry while they were gone)
make sure you have a cell phone or contact number for the parents (physical location is good too in case emergency personnel have to locate and phone contact is'nt working)
have the phone number and address of the house you are in written down (in an emergency sometimes it is hard to remember even the simplest things)
never leave a young child alone in the bathroom (can burn themselves turning on a hot water faucet, drown in a toilet)
if a diapered child ask the parents how often they want it changed (don't rely on smell or wetness )
don't cook unless the parents have approved you to use a particular appliance (you may know how to use the stove-it does'nt mean you know how to use a stove around a young child).

 

[disneymom3]

Stay off of the phone but answer it when it rings--it may be the parents calling to check in. (You would not believe the number of sitters we have had who have not answered the phone!)

And not a safety issue but one that bugs me a lot--do not let the kids watch TV unless the parents say it is okay.

 

[disykat]

And not a safety issue but one that bugs me a lot--do not let the kids watch TV unless the parents say it is okay.

Yes! Watch tv that is appropriate for the kids - not you. I remember when I was channel flipping and went past "Friends" and my little one said he'd watched that show with the sitter. I wasn't thrilled.

 

[Pooh Crew]

It would also be helpful for them to have the names and numbers of trusted neighbors or nearby relatives in case the parents cannot be reached (no cell service, etc.) and it is a non-911 type situation.

While I certainly do not expect a sitter to clean my house, they should have the courtesy to pick up after themselves. Throw away soda cans and chips bags, wipe up any spills, put away snacks, etc. Many years ago we came home to find that our sitter had opened a grape soda that exploded all over our white kitchen...and left it to dry for several hours without attempting to clean it. Needless to say, that was her last time at our house.

If an accident happens, no matter how minor it might seem at the time, they should notify the parents immediately.