6 Best Free Online Babysitting Courses You Can Take Now
Deciding to start babysitting can be a big decision. If you love kids and want to earn some extra money, babysitting may be the perfect job for you. But before you start advertising your services, it’s important to make sure you are prepared.
There are several things you need to know before you start babysitting, such as how to deal with different age groups, how to manage difficult behavior, what to do in an emergency, and more. The best way to make sure you are prepared is to take a babysitting course.
There are many different babysitting courses available, both online and offline. Some are free, while others come at a cost. In this article, CourseBacon takes a look at 6 of the best babysitting courses available online for free.
Overview of the Top 6 Best Babysitting Free Courses Online
- Introduction to Babysitting (Norland College)
- American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Handbook
- Babysitter Boss Tutorials (YouTube)
- Childcare and EYFS (Alison)
- Caring for Children 2: Babysitting Basics (VCE)
- Guide to Getting a Teen Babysitting Job (Care.com)
Brief Info of the Top 6 Free Babysitting Courses Online
1. Introduction to Babysitting (Norland College)
Norland college is offering an introductory online course in babysitting to novice teenagers and young adults who are interested in going into babysitting. The course is designed to give you a taste of what babysitting is all about and what potential it has. Through practical activities like Multiple Choice and True or False questions, you’ll get to test your knowledge and memory. Plus, there’s tons of extra information and useful videos included to support your learning!
At the end of this course, you will
- Get to know the basic ins and outs of babysitting.
- Create your own babysitting document.
- Create a list of vital questions to ask your new employers (i.e. parents or legal guardians)
- Understand the legal responsibilities required of you when looking after children
- Get the necessary guidelines from the Norland training team to keep you a step ahead of your babysitting competitors.
This free babysitting online course consists of 3 modules and will take you about two to three hours to complete, and if you do well throughout the course activities, scoring over 70%, a certificate will be awarded to you.
2. American Red Cross Babysitters Training Handbook
The American Red Cross currently offers two different online courses for babysitters which come at a small fee, however, this handbook serves as an integral part of both courses as their instructors use it as a guide for their teachings. So if you want to know the basics of babysitting, but are unable to afford those online courses, this handbook will serve you well.
The Babysitters Training manual is a basic course designed to teach individuals the skills and knowledge necessary to care for children in a babysitting setting. This pdf course covers a variety of topics, including child development, safety and injury prevention, basic caregiving skills, and first aid.
The course is designed for individuals who are at least 11 years old, and in it, you will learn how to safely and effectively care for children of all ages, including infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. You will also learn how to create a safe and comfortable environment for the children in your care, as well as how to respond to emergencies and administer basic first aid.
You will be taught how to manage common challenges that may arise while babysitting, such as dealing with difficult behavior or handling meal times. In addition, you will learn how to communicate with parents and caregivers to ensure that the children in your care are well taken care of. The course also covers the business aspect of babysitting, as, in it, you will get tips on how to get clients, and the kind of questions to ask them. You will also learn how to manage your time effectively and how to keep things professional for your clients.
But remember, just learning with the aid of this handbook will not get you certified, you will need to attend one of the Red Cross-authorised online courses for babysitters and pass their test to be issued a certificate.
3. Babysitter Boss Tutorials (YouTube)
For good reasons, I had to include a YouTube channel on this list. Babysitter Boss is a YouTube series by Safe Sitter Inc. On this channel are lots of valuable lessons and tips that will go a long way in helping you tackle babysitting challenges. Videos on the channel address a range of topics including dealing with emergencies, handling toddlers, communicating with the parents, and tips on getting paid. So if you want to be a babysitter boss, go on the channel and watch the lessons, you will be glad you found it.
4. Childcare and EYFS (Alison)
The focus of this course from Alison is on childcare in general, and in it, you will learn the strategies and techniques needed for teaching and caring for children in their early years. This free online early childhood development course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the childcare industry. You will learn some essential tips to improve learning and development in the child, you will also be taught how to protect them from potential hazards and accidents, including learning the various signs of child abuse. Whether you’re a caretaker, first-time mother, teacher, or thinking about entering the child-minding profession, this course will benefit you.
5. Caring for Children 2: Babysitting Basics (VCE)
The Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a free online course on babysitting basics in the form of a pdf. The course covers similar topics to the Red Cross’s Babysitting Handbook and if you want to venture into babysitting as a beginner, you will find this course very helpful. The course first begins by making you answer a short quiz, this is to help you evaluate if babysitting is right for you. It then moves on to the introduction of the subject matter and then informs you of your responsibilities as a babysitter, and gives you several tips and guidance in caring for the child, including in emergencies.
Although the course is focused on H4, a teen group association, the information is still valuable for everyone. You may find some references to certifications and evaluations that are not included in the free online version of the course.
6. Guide to Getting a Teen Babysitting Job (Care.com)
Care.com has a lot of great resources for babysitters, including this Guide to Getting a Teen Babysitting Job. It covers important topics like what steps to take to get started in babysitting and includes recommendations for some helpful courses. You will also learn the business side of babysitting, like setting your rates and finding clients. Some of the courses require you to cough out a few dollars, however, they are well worth it. To register for this online babysitting course, you will need to be at least 14 years of age.
Bonus: Additional Resources for Babysitters
In addition to taking a babysitting course, there are several other resources and opportunities available for babysitters to further their education and improve their skills. Some options include:
- Certification programs: Many organizations offer babysitter certification programs that provide more comprehensive training and assessment. Some examples include the Babysitting Certification Institute and the American Red Cross.
- Professional development opportunities: Organizations like the Childcare Professionals Association offer ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, events, and webinars, to help babysitters stay up-to-date on the latest best practices and techniques.
Bonus: Tips for Finding and Applying for Babysitting Jobs
Finding and applying for babysitting jobs can be a challenging process, but there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success:
- Build a strong profile: Make sure your profile on babysitting websites or apps includes a clear and professional profile picture, a detailed description of your experience and qualifications, and any relevant certifications or training.
- Connect with families: Networking is a key part of finding babysitting jobs. Reach out to friends, family, and other connections to let them know you’re available for babysitting. You can also join local parenting groups or participate in community events to meet potential clients.
- Be flexible and reliable: Families are often looking for babysitters who are available on short notice and can commit to regular babysitting gigs. Showing that you’re reliable and flexible can help you stand out as a top candidate.
Bonus: Safety Considerations for Babysitters
Safety is a top priority for any babysitter. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
- First aid: Make sure you have a basic understanding of first aid and know how to handle common injuries or emergencies.
- Safety equipment: Have safety equipment on hand, such as a first aid kit, smoke detector, and fire extinguisher.
- Supervision: Always keep a close eye on the children in your care and never leave them unattended.
- Communication: Make sure you have the contact information for the parents and any emergency contacts and have a plan in place for how to reach them if needed.
Bonus: Ideas for Fun and Educational Activities to Do with Children While Babysitting
Babysitting can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and having a variety of activities on hand can help keep the children entertained and engaged. Here are a few ideas for fun and educational activities to do with children while babysitting:
- Arts and crafts: Simple crafts, such as coloring or making paper airplanes, can be a fun and creative activity for children.
- Outdoor play: Take them for a walk now and then, play a game of catch, or explore the backyard. This can provide physical activity and fresh air to the children.
- Reading and storytelling: Reading stories or creating your own stories can be a fun and educational activity for children.
- Cooking or baking: Depending on their age, you can get them to help with simple tasks in the kitchen, such as stirring or measuring ingredients, and learn about cooking and nutrition in the process.
- Educational games and puzzles: Games and puzzles can help children develop important skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, while also having fun.