How to Get a License for Babysitting
Babysitting can be a fun opportunity to teach children and watch them grow. You can have an impact on a child that can help a child in the future. Some states require teens to have child care licenses. On military installations, any teens wanting to babysit must be a certified babysitter. If you don't obtain a license when required you can be fined by the state. It takes patience and understanding to care for a child; by becoming licensed, you show your determination to provide outstanding care for a child.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Take a babysitting course in your city or online. Red Cross provides babysitters training. The course takes one day to complete. The course entails caring for children of all ages, problem solving, emergency care and career advancement. You will receive a completion certificate for babysitting.
-
2
Become first aid and CPR certified by taking courses at your local Red Cross or YMCA. For anyone babysitting in the child's home or who is younger than 15 years, you will not need any state licensing. Obtaining the first aid, babysitting and CPR certification will give parents assurance that you are capable to care for their children in case of an emergency.
-
-
3
Find out your state's regulations on child care and to apply for a license by following the state license link in the resource section. Several states require you to obtain a license if you are 15 years or older and caring for three or more children of certain ages.
-
4
Make sure your location for babysitting is compliant with all your city's regulations and standards to provide child care. This would be cleaning, safety proofing and fire safety for the location. Anyone that will be helping with child care must become certified and licensed as well.
-
5
Follow all fire, health department regulations and building codes. Even if you are babysitting within your own home, you must meet all safety requirements of your state. This may require a fire escape plan, food safety practices and proper zoning for running a business. Write a business plan to describe objectives for the children. You don't have to share the plan, neither is it required, but it can be beneficial in helping parents understand what you will provide for their children.
-
6
Schedule an inspection of the location with a family worker. The family worker will require that the location be fit and clean for children. She will address any concerns that need to be corrected. You will be given time to correct any problems. You will be obligated to have the location inspected on a regular basis based on your state's laws.
-
1
