What Certifications Should Parents Look for in a Babysitter?
Parents may only require the services of a babysitter on an occasional basis, but part-time childcare hiring decisions still require their full attention.
Accidents, injuries and emergencies can happen at any time, and a sitter who’s properly trained is more equipped to handle such situations. Knowing which certifications parents should look for in a babysitter can make hiring decisions easier, and the interview process more efficient. Before checking references and extending an offer of employment, parents are urged to ensure an applicant has the right certifications in order to provide their children with the safest possible care environment.
Babysitter Certification and Legal Requirements
From a legal standpoint, parents are free to hire any babysitter who meets the minimum age requirements in their state. The only federal laws in the United States which are tied to employment practices for part-time babysitters involve the proper payment of taxes; some state laws may also govern tax liabilities for employers.
Childcare laws are passed on a state level, and each state’s laws regarding certification requirements for childcare providers will differ somewhat. In most states, part-time sitters who care for a small number of children in either their own home or the home of their employers are exempt from licensing requirements. It’s not uncommon for babysitters to be legally eligible to work with absolutely no formal training.
Health and Safety Certifications to Look for in a Babysitter
Because state childcare licensing laws rarely apply to personal babysitters who work on an informal, part-time basis, the responsibility to determine the competence of a sitter lies solely with the parents making hiring decisions. While it may not be a legal requirement, it is always highly advised for parents to avoid hiring sitters with a lack of certain vital certifications. Training and certification in these areas can typically be obtained through a local community center, or a local chapter of the Red Cross for a relatively small fee.
Choking is a leading cause of hospitalizations, injuries and death in young children. For this reason alone, it is absolutely imperative that a sitter be thoroughly trained and certified in basic CPR. In an emergency situation, a babysitter with CPR training will be equipped to take life-saving measures in order to protect the children under their care. Because injuries resulting from falls, accidents and rough play are also common among children, it’s equally important for babysitters to have training in basic first aid.
Professional Certifications and Training
There is no industry standard for professional training among babysitters, and no legal requirements regarding education level. Still, most parents will feel more comfortable hiring a babysitter who has demonstrated an interest in childcare and best practices by attending classes, seminars and training workshops. Many of these training classes can be located through the same community centers and Red Cross chapters which offer CPR and first aid training.
To help ensure the safety and happiness of their children, it’s important for parents to seek out babysitters who do meet some training and certification requirements. At bare minimum, any babysitter should have current CPR and first aid certifications to show proof of appropriate emergency management training. Ideally, a babysitter will also have obtained some degree of formal training in childcare through workshops, childcare classes or seminars. Parents of infants and newborns should also look for babysitters who have completed infant care classes which focus on the unique needs of very young children.
Ultimately, the certifications parents should look for in a new babysitter are those which allow them to confidently leave their children under the care of a new childcare provider. Applicants who lack the requisite first aid and CPR training are typically not considered the best candidates, but anything above and beyond these vital certifications is up to the parents who are making a hiring decision. It is always advised for parents to research the hiring requirements for babysitters in their state to ensure they’re in compliance with all local laws before making a final decision. The ideal applicant will not only meet all parental and legal certification requirements, but also be dedicated to providing children with the best possible care.
