Before leaving your home:

• Inform your parents or guardians of where you will be, the phone number and the time you expect to return home

• Know your employer

• Be properly dressed for the job. This includes low-heeled shoes, washable clothing, and no sharp jewelry.

  Before the parents leave:

• Arrive early

• Make sure you have the following information:

• Place where the parents will be

• How to contact parents (cell phone number)

• Emergency numbers (usually 911)

• Neighbor (If the parents know them)

• Address of employer with cross streets (in event you need to call 911)

• Locations of first aid supplies

• Tour of the house

• Know how locks on doors work

• Fire or burglary alarms

• Name and ages of children

• Bedtimes of children

• Medical concerns of children

• Smoke detectors working??

  While you are in charge:

  Follow proper babysitting ethics:

• No personal phone calls

• No guests or parties

• Stay out of the refrigerator unless your told you may have something

• Remain awake

• Don’t use unfamiliar appliances

• Check sleeping children every 20 – 30 minutes

• Be polite and respectful

• Never strike a child

• Take a phone message

• Be safety conscious at all times

• Keep harmful objects away from small children

• Keep children in sight at all times

• Teach by example, if you do something unsafe they will try it also.

• Keep radio and television volume low enough so you disturb the children and so you can hear them if they cry out