About Licensed Babysitters

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 4.2% of violent offenders that abused children under age 6 were known by the victim. Before you hire that babysitter, read this article. There are some things you should know about the person that is going to watch your child. Putting your children in the wrong hands can be damaging or even fatal. It is important for you to learn the proper steps to take when finding a sitter. Licensed babysitters are not always the best solution, but they do have benefits. You'll learn what it takes to become one, how to find a good sitter, and weed out the rest.

Identification

While the U.S. Department's statistic is small compared to the grand scheme of things---you wouldn't want your family to be in that percentage. Look for a babysitter with credentials. Ask potential babysitters for the name of the agency that licensed them. with contacting that institution to confirm it. You can also check with the Attorney General's office. Agencies such as the Red Cross commonly have a babysitter's training course that, when passed, offers a babysitting license. However, courses are also offered online. Once such place is the "A Girl's World" website.

History

Being licensed to babysit is just one thing to look at. Some other things to take into consider is the sitter's driving record. If there is a potential that your babysitter is going to put your children into the car, you'll want to make sure she has a good record. Many sites online can provide a background check. Starting at around thirty dollars you can check the driving record, and criminal records to make sure your sitter is fit. In addition make sure you ask for the name and number of two or three other families that she baby sat for. It is always a good idea to follow through and check with these families. They will be able to tell you more about your potential babysitter.

Prevention/Solution

Hold an interview with potential babysitters with appropriate and revealing questions. Daddydan.net supplies a list of questions to ask a potential babysitter. One of the questions included are, "Are you licensed?." Why should this question be important? It's important because one of the requirements to being licensed is taking CPR courses. In addition, the babysitting learns important safety issues such as:

• Accident, choking and drowning prevention
• Injury and poison prevention
• Childproofing
• Identifying suffocation and strangulation hazards
• preventing cuts, falls, fires, and burns
• Establishing fire safety exits.
• Preventing bites, break-ins, and stings.

Expert Insight

Some licensed babysitters want to watch children out of their home. In this case they would need to "baby proof" their home. Here is a list of what is expected and things you should do to make it safe for the children you're watching.

• Place safety locks on all closets and cupboards.
• Display CPR certification where parents can see it.
• Observe your surroundings and pick up small items that can be swallowed
• Before changing a child's diaper, make sure you have everything you need.
• Keep gates latched at all times. Especially ones leading to pools, fountains or bathtubs.
• Be aware of an escape route in case of fire.
• Have emergency contact numbers near the phone. Even pre-program them into your cell phone.
• Do not bathe the child unless directed by the parents
• As a preventive measure, keep doors and windows locked at all times.

Of course, this is not a complete list, but it will give you an idea of the basic safety measures that a licensed babysitter should take when taking care of children.

Potential

Know the limits. There are limits to how many children one licensed babysitter can take care of at one time. According to the U.S. Department of labor, one caregiver should watch no more than 3 to 4 infants or toddlers (0-2 years old) at one time. For the older children, the maximum is 6-7 children between ages 2-5.

Resources

• U.S. Department of Justice
• The Labor of Love.com
• Keep Kids Healthy.com