Baby Sitter Age Laws
Not every state has a set of legal baby sitting age laws, but some do. For those states that do not have age requirements to baby sit, the judgment of the parents and guardians is relied upon. A baby sitter under the age of 16 should be mature enough to know how to properly care for minor children and how to handle emergency situations.
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Age Requirements
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The legal age to baby sit varies in each state. Missouri allows a baby sitter to be as young as 11 years old, but in Illinois, it is considered neglect if a child under the age of 14 is left alone to care for a child younger than he is without any supervision for a lengthy time period. Local agencies, such as the YMCA, who give baby sitting certification courses may have their own age requirements for getting certifications.
Time Frame
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A baby sitter under the age of 15 has a restriction as to how many hours she may baby sit a child for. If the baby sitter is over the age of 15, she may baby sit a child for 24 hours or more. A baby sitter under the age of 15 may only baby sit for 24 hours if a parent, guardian or other caretaker will be returning to supervise the child within the same 24-hour time period. Therefore the baby sitter under 15 is technically not baby sitting for 24 hours, because another adult or authorized baby sitter is in the home.
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Functions
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Baby sitters should have skills or know certain facts to ensure their safety and the safety of those they are baby sitting. One factor is calling for help--a baby sitter should know what to do in case of an emergency, such as calling 911 and how to locate the nearest source of help. If a baby sitter does not know where to find a fuse box (or what it is), or how to turn off the gas or water if necessary, she does not have the background or knowledge at her age to be baby sitting.
Potential Issues
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The law does state that anyone under the age of 16 cannot be charged with neglect or ill treatment of any child left in her care. Parents or adults who leave a child in the care of a baby sitter under the age of 16 should be warned that they remain responsible for the child being baby sat. Therefore, if any harm is done to the child, the parent is legally responsible, not the baby sitter who is under 16 years of age.
Working for Child Care Services
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A child should be at least 13 years of age in order to receive a part-time working permit to work for a child care provider or service. Most child care services hire youth that are typically 17 years of age to work in their facilities, as most agree that a 17-year-old is mature enough to look after younger children. Also, in case of an emergency, a 17-year-old may have a valid driver's license to transport a child to the hospital, if needed.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of James Emery
