Babysitting can be a good way to earn extra money, but it also a significant responsibility. In many cases, your family and friend can hire you even if you do not have special training, but it is still a good idea to take a few general first aid classes before you become a babysitter. Once you have the training, you’ll need to market yourself to potential clients and organize your time properly. Some regions may have laws governing babysitting jobs, so it is important to look into those before starting to avoid trouble later on.
Taking an infant and child first aid course is one of the most important steps to become a babysitter, as you will need to know how to handle any emergencies that arise until help can reach you. Classes are typically offered through local hospitals or health care facilities, and last several hours. If you are in school or work during the week, many places offer classes on the weekends. At the end of the lesson, you will take a test and, if you pass, will receive your certificate either the same day or in the mail shortly afterward. Most certifications require you to take a refresher course every two or three years. If you are new to caring for young children, you may also want to take basic babysitting classes that teach you basic skills such as changing a diaper, preparing simple meals, and handling behavior issues.
Once you have the basic requirements to become a babysitter, develop a plan to market yourself to prospective clients. If you have already done some casual babysitting for family and friends, ask them to write you a letter of reference and keep them in a folder with your copies of your certificates from your classes. Keep a list of potential activities that you plan to do with the children to show parents that you will engage their child rather than just act as a supervisory presence in the house while the parents are out. Remember, parents are more likely to rehire you if their children enjoy having you as a babysitter.
After gathering all the necessary documents and extra touches to your portfolio, start marketing yourself. Let friends and family members know that you want to become a babysitter, and ask them to tell their friends and family. Word of mouth advertising is usually the best way to get babysitting jobs, but advertisements in the newspaper and on community bulletin boards can also provide good leads. Just be cautious when meeting potential clients that you do not know; opt to meet in a public place the first time, and always let someone else know where you are going.
During your interview to become a babysitter, be prepared to answer a lot of questions about how you will ensure that children in your care are safe at all times. While the first aid classes come in handy for basic lifesaving questions, you also need to know what you would do if there was a fire or other disaster, if someone tried to break into the house, and numerous other dangerous scenarios. Once you have assured the parents that you can keep their child safe, explain what you plan to do to keep them happy. Highlight your unique attributes, such as a talent for singing or story telling, to show how you can enrich their child’s life. This will help make you more memorable and stand out from the other applicants.
