Training Today’s Babysitters, Tomorrow’s Parents
Author: Monica Dailey Grabowska

You would never send your child into a swimming pool without a certified life guard on duty. So why do so many parents leave their children in the hands of untrained babysitters?

Check out these local sitter training courses and tips on what you should expect from your babysitter – and what they should expect from you.

Where to find baby sitter training

Most baby sitter training courses are offered during school breaks, in conjunction with after-school programs, or sometimes as part of the school curriculum. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter or the education department of a nearby hospital. Fees vary between $30 and $50 for the one- and two-day courses.

Safe Sitter programs are offered through the following:

Jefferson Memorial Hospital
304/728-1693

City Hospital, Martinsburg
304/264-1383

War Memorial Hospital
(This course is offered through the after- school program at Warm Springs Middle School in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.)
304/258-6577

Red Cross baby sitter training courses are available through the following chapters or partnerships:

Washington County
301/739-0717

Hagerstown Community College
301/790-2800, ext 236

Frederick County, Md.
301/662-5131

Jefferson County
304/725-5015

Berkeley County
304/263-5241

Frederick County, Va.
540/662-5412

Clarke County Parks and Recreation
540/955-5140

Help your sitter be prepared

· Allow time for a new sitter to get acquainted with your home and children (a tour of the house should include emergency evacuation plans, location of first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers, flashlights, etc.)

· Give the sitter all the information needed to keep your children safe, comfortable and happy — allergies, likes, dislikes, special fears, comfort toys.

· Provide the name, age and weight (for poison control) of your children, along with emergency phone numbers, numbers where you can be reached, number for a neighbor or nearby relative.

· Discuss privileges such as snacks, television, telephone, computer, Internet (for your kids and for the sitter).

· Do not invite playmates over while the baby sitter is in charge.

· Introduce the sitter to your pets and explain any responsibilities regarding them (feeding, letting them out, etc.)

· Ask the sitter if she/he is comfortable with the specific responsibilities: Diaper changing, helping with toileting, making simple meals, putting a child to bed.

· Do not ask a young sitter to be bathe your children or be responsible for them in or around a swimming pool.

· Carefully explain eating and bedtime routines.

· Discuss your discipline philosophy and techniques.

· Explain how you want the sitter to answer the telephone and door.


What your sitter’s parents expect of you

· Make sure you can be reached if the sitter needs to contact you.

· Have an emergency evacuation plan that your children know and understand.

· Have first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors.

· Be home when you say you will be; call if you are going to be late.

· Do not attempt to drive the sitter home if you have been drinking.

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