Baby-sitting is a great way to earn money, help neighbors, and gain some job experience. But it’s also a big responsibility to be in charge of someone else’s children in an unfamiliar home, and it can be a bit scary.

Here are some guidelines to help you be a first-rate baby sitter:

GETTING THE JOB DONE

	Baby-sit for people you know or who have been referred by a friend.
	When someone asks you to baby-sit, find out what time the parents expect to be back, how much you charge, and whether you have a curfew. Discuss how you’ll get there and back safely.
	Leave the name, address, and phone number of where you’ll be sitting with your parents or a trusted friend. Tell them what time your employer expects to be home.

ON THE JOB

	Before the leave, have them write down the name, address, and phone number of where they will be. Also, you should have the phone numbers to the local police, fire and rescue if other then 911. In addition to, the Poison Control Center, a neighbor or relative, and the family doctor. Have the address of where you are sitting next to the telephone(s).
	Know the locations of all the telephones within the house. If there is an alarm system, learn how to use it.
	Know how to work the window and door locks in the house, not all are latches. Use them and make sue the outside lights are on.
	Know where the smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are.
	Ask about the children’s bedtimes and what they eat. Check on food allergies and medication. Find out what you are allowed to eat and drink.
	Be sure to clean up after yourself and the children.
	Get permission and instructions on using the VCR, stereo, and other appliances.
	Don’t tie up the phone talking to your friends. Your employer may want to check in or call about a change in plans.
	A friend should not come over to keep you company unless your employer agrees in advance that it’s okay.

IN AN EMERGENCY

	If you suspect a fire, get the children and yourself out. Go to a neighbor’s or public phone and call the fire department. Then call your employer.
	Stay calm. Children probably won’t panic if you don’t

WHEN THE JOB’S DONE

	Tell your employer if anything unusual happened – a strange phone call, noises, and a stranger at the door.
	Call your parents to let them know if your employer is going to be late coming home.
	Be sure you are escorted home. If your employer cannot walk or drive you home, or if he or she seems intoxicated, ask someone from your family to come for you. Never travel home alone at night from a baby-sitting job.
	If your employers are unreliable – don’t sit for them anymore.

SPECIAL TIPS FOR DAYTIME BABY SITTER’S

	If you have children out in the back yard, make sure the front door is locked and vice versa.
	If you take the children for a walk or the park, lock all doors and windows before you leave. Be sure to take the keys and some change with you.
	Never take the children to a deserted park or out alone after dark. Be wary of friendly strangers. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, trust your instincts – take the children and leave.
	If anything seems unusual when you return to the home – like a broken window, a screen ripped, a door ajar – don’t go in. Go to a neighbor’s home or public phone and call the police. You do not need a coin to dial 911 or the operator.