Difference between revisions of "Get a Babysitting License"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Taking Classes at the Red Cross === | ===Taking Classes at the Red Cross === | ||
| − | #Contact your local Red Cross Center. Most Red Cross centers across the United States offer courses in “Babysitting Basics,” “Babysitting Training,” and “Advanced Child Care.” The Red Cross is a nationally-recognized and widely respected organization, so it is an excellent choice for babysitting training courses.<ref>http://www.redcross.org/courses/index.jsp?_requestid=40206</ref> | + | #Contact your local Red Cross Center. Most Red Cross centers across the United States offer courses in “Babysitting Basics,” “Babysitting Training,” and “Advanced Child Care.” The Red Cross is a nationally-recognized and widely respected organization, so it is an excellent choice for babysitting training courses.<ref name="rf1">http://www.redcross.org/courses/index.jsp?_requestid=40206</ref> |
| − | #Select the course that is right for you. The “Babysitting Training” course is the most extensive and effective option. This on-site class last for 7 hours over the course of one day. “Babysitting basics” and “Advanced Child Care” are both online courses. Each lasts for 4 hours, and can be completed at your own pace.<ref | + | #Select the course that is right for you. The “Babysitting Training” course is the most extensive and effective option. This on-site class last for 7 hours over the course of one day. “Babysitting basics” and “Advanced Child Care” are both online courses. Each lasts for 4 hours, and can be completed at your own pace.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Babysitting Training is recommended for students aged 11-15. | #*Babysitting Training is recommended for students aged 11-15. | ||
#*Babysitting Basics is intended for students 11 and up. | #*Babysitting Basics is intended for students 11 and up. | ||
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#*The Advanced Babysitting course focuses on how to take care of children outside of the home. It teaches students how to keep children safe and happy in a variety of situations. | #*The Advanced Babysitting course focuses on how to take care of children outside of the home. It teaches students how to keep children safe and happy in a variety of situations. | ||
#*You will not need to pass a test. Simply complete the course to earn your certificate. | #*You will not need to pass a test. Simply complete the course to earn your certificate. | ||
| − | #Take a CPR and First Aid class. Although it is not required, it is strongly encouraged for all babysitters to take a course in CPR and First Aid. These courses are also offered through the Red Cross. Certifications in CPR and First Aid increase make you a more hireable babysitter.<ref>http://www.redcross.org/phssux/desktop.results.jsp?type=class-type-online&type=class-type-combo&type=class-type-classroom&radius=25&courseId=cours000000000049031.&zipCode=60050&lat=42.3223041&long=-88.3044908&cateIds=[cat2130015].&initialProgramType=cat50003</ref> | + | #Take a CPR and First Aid class. Although it is not required, it is strongly encouraged for all babysitters to take a course in CPR and First Aid. These courses are also offered through the Red Cross. Certifications in CPR and First Aid increase make you a more hireable babysitter.<ref name="rf2">http://www.redcross.org/phssux/desktop.results.jsp?type=class-type-online&type=class-type-combo&type=class-type-classroom&radius=25&courseId=cours000000000049031.&zipCode=60050&lat=42.3223041&long=-88.3044908&cateIds=[cat2130015].&initialProgramType=cat50003</ref> |
#*The Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR class meets for 6.5 hours. | #*The Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR class meets for 6.5 hours. | ||
#*The cost is $110. | #*The cost is $110. | ||
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#*Free courses generally do not grant "certificates," however, they may still offer valuable knowledge. | #*Free courses generally do not grant "certificates," however, they may still offer valuable knowledge. | ||
#*Online babysitting courses range from as low as $20 to as high as $200. | #*Online babysitting courses range from as low as $20 to as high as $200. | ||
| − | #Verify that this source is reputable. Although there are many online options for babysitting classes, not all of them may be worthwhile. Look for a company with positive online reviews as well as testimonials from clients. Also, look for a contact telephone number, call them, and ask them some questions over the phone.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP9bb5ef7vU&ab_channel=expertvillage</ref> A company that you cannot reach by phone is probably not a good choice. | + | #Verify that this source is reputable. Although there are many online options for babysitting classes, not all of them may be worthwhile. Look for a company with positive online reviews as well as testimonials from clients. Also, look for a contact telephone number, call them, and ask them some questions over the phone.<ref name="rf3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP9bb5ef7vU&ab_channel=expertvillage</ref> A company that you cannot reach by phone is probably not a good choice. |
| − | #Make sure you are meet the requirements. Some training programs are geared towards students of a specific age. For example, some are created for young adults (usually ages 11-15), while others are for older students. Additionally, some course like you to already have a background in childcare, while others are for beginners. Finally, some courses require you to be fluent in English, while others do not. Be sure you meet any requirements for the course before you enroll.<ref | + | #Make sure you are meet the requirements. Some training programs are geared towards students of a specific age. For example, some are created for young adults (usually ages 11-15), while others are for older students. Additionally, some course like you to already have a background in childcare, while others are for beginners. Finally, some courses require you to be fluent in English, while others do not. Be sure you meet any requirements for the course before you enroll.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Most babysitting courses are geared toward younger people (often ages 11-17). | #*Most babysitting courses are geared toward younger people (often ages 11-17). | ||
#*If you are an adult looking to train in babysitting, search for "advanced" courses. | #*If you are an adult looking to train in babysitting, search for "advanced" courses. | ||
| − | #Pay the fee. Various courses will have various fees. Some online babysitter classes are as low as $20, and may go as high a $200. Select a course that you feel good about, and pay the appropriate fee at the time of registration.<ref>https://www.udemy.com/childcare/</ref> | + | #Pay the fee. Various courses will have various fees. Some online babysitter classes are as low as $20, and may go as high a $200. Select a course that you feel good about, and pay the appropriate fee at the time of registration.<ref name="rf4">https://www.udemy.com/childcare/</ref> |
| − | #Take the course. Once you have registered and paid the fee, you simply need to log in and complete the course. Various courses will span different timelines. Most courses can run anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. In general, the benefit of these online courses is that they may be completed at your own pace. <ref | + | #Take the course. Once you have registered and paid the fee, you simply need to log in and complete the course. Various courses will span different timelines. Most courses can run anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. In general, the benefit of these online courses is that they may be completed at your own pace. <ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Most courses combine learning modules with short quizzes and tests. | #*Most courses combine learning modules with short quizzes and tests. | ||
#*Once you have passed the course, you will be able to print out a certificate. | #*Once you have passed the course, you will be able to print out a certificate. | ||
=== Becoming a “Licensed Childcare Provider” in Your State=== | === Becoming a “Licensed Childcare Provider” in Your State=== | ||
| − | #Decide if you want a career in childcare. Becoming a state licensed childcare provider is more than just “babysitting.” It means that you are a small business owner responsible for the health, happiness, and development of small children.<ref> http://ccld.ca.gov/PG513.htm</ref> Before seeking a childcare license, ask yourself the following questions: | + | #Decide if you want a career in childcare. Becoming a state licensed childcare provider is more than just “babysitting.” It means that you are a small business owner responsible for the health, happiness, and development of small children.<ref name="rf5"> http://ccld.ca.gov/PG513.htm</ref> Before seeking a childcare license, ask yourself the following questions: |
#*Do I enjoy working with children? | #*Do I enjoy working with children? | ||
#*Am I knowledgeable about child development or willing to learn? | #*Am I knowledgeable about child development or willing to learn? | ||
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#*In California, this is the Department of Social Services (CDSS). | #*In California, this is the Department of Social Services (CDSS). | ||
#*In Missouri, this is the Department of Health and Senior Services. | #*In Missouri, this is the Department of Health and Senior Services. | ||
| − | #Pass background checks. Once you are sure that you meet the age and education requirements in your state, you will need to pass a criminal background check through your state agency. They will also ensure that you do not appear on the national or state–level sex offender registries (SORS), or within the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS).<ref>http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31171</ref> | + | #Pass background checks. Once you are sure that you meet the age and education requirements in your state, you will need to pass a criminal background check through your state agency. They will also ensure that you do not appear on the national or state–level sex offender registries (SORS), or within the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS).<ref name="rf6">http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31171</ref> |
#*Each state is different, but you may be disqualified if you have been convicted of a felony. | #*Each state is different, but you may be disqualified if you have been convicted of a felony. | ||
#*You will likewise be disqualified if you have been convicted of a sex crime, are listed in any sex offender registry, or have been convicted of child abuse or neglect. | #*You will likewise be disqualified if you have been convicted of a sex crime, are listed in any sex offender registry, or have been convicted of child abuse or neglect. | ||
#*Additionally, they will look into your driving record and general criminal history. | #*Additionally, they will look into your driving record and general criminal history. | ||
| − | #Pass an inspection. The next step in becoming a licensed childcare provider in your state is for the location to pass an inspection. Whether you plan to open a daycare center or to care for children in your home, an inspector will need to come out and ensure that you meet all the standard health and safety requirements. Once again, these will vary by state, so it is imperative for you to check with your local government agency.<ref>http://ccld.ca.gov/PG513.htm</ref> | + | #Pass an inspection. The next step in becoming a licensed childcare provider in your state is for the location to pass an inspection. Whether you plan to open a daycare center or to care for children in your home, an inspector will need to come out and ensure that you meet all the standard health and safety requirements. Once again, these will vary by state, so it is imperative for you to check with your local government agency.<ref name="rf7">http://ccld.ca.gov/PG513.htm</ref> |
#*Contact your local agency to procure a list of safety requirements, and make any adjustments, before requesting an inspection. | #*Contact your local agency to procure a list of safety requirements, and make any adjustments, before requesting an inspection. | ||
#*For example, some states require you to have a fence around a swimming pool. | #*For example, some states require you to have a fence around a swimming pool. | ||
