BabySitting Question

Hi E.,
Nope, you don't need any sort of certification. I've been babysitting for 20 years and have never gotten any schooling on it or "diploma". Never had anything. All you need is to be trustworthy (first and foremost), dependable, responsible and loving. Fun helps also. Besides babysitting (which is really just temporary work- usually on nights and weekends, but some during the day) I nannied for 15 years- full and part time. Only thing I did for 2 of the jobs was get involved with a nanny agency. They get you background checked and usually have you get CPR/1st Aid certified. The jobs through the nanny agencies usually pay better. Good luck- just put the word out there that you're available and you'll find jobs.

You can contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to get information on becoming a Registered Childcare Provider or to maybe just care for one or two more children other than your own. The Registered Childcare Provider you will need to be licensed to do so, but to just provide care for one to three children you will not have to. All the information can be found on their website.
I to am an in home childcare provider in Mesquite and have been doing so for 3 years now, because I too have two small children at home and it is a wonderful experience to be able to teach my babies and help someone else out as well.
Good Luck!

You don't need to be licensed or certified in any way to care for a couple of children in your home. However, some area hospitals offer classes where future babysitters learn infant/child CPR and other things that parents might want to be sure you know before they place their child in your care. I'm pretty sure Presbyterian offers one, but you might check with a hospital closer to you.

Hi E.,

I don't know if you need a certificate of anykind, however your posting sounded like you wanted to babysit to make some extra income. Is that right? I have a 3 month old and have been struggling with the idea of putting her in daycare. In the meantime...I have found a Great Opportunity that allows me to stay home, set my own schedule and work as little as 15 hours a week. If your are interested in hearing more, please feel free to contact me directly at ____@____.com.

S.

Hi E. let me know what you find out if you don't mind. I've been thinking about doing the same thing
thanks
K.

My friends' teenage daughter actually did get certified thru a little class she took at a hospital. So she had CPR too. Still leave detailed instructions, tho.

Hi E., I am a home childcare provider. According to childcare licensing, if you provide care in your
home even for 1 child that is not related to you, you need to be listed
with the state (max 3 kids per time plus yours), you can still watch kids
without a permit but at your own risk,
for example, a neighbor might complain
and call child protective service. Then
they come to you and investigate and
give you 3 months to get the proper
paperwork. If you go to somebody else
house to watch their kids, you probably
just need CPR and First aid training.

The Red Cross offers a babysitting class which includes first aid and CPR. I think there's one at the City of Allen Parks and Recreation department.