Safe Sitter® Classes

Earn Babysitting Certification at the Y from a Nationally Recognized Program

Safe Sitter® is a nationally-recognized program that gives youth ages 11-16  the skills and knowledge needed to safely care for younger children, including infants. Countryside YMCA is a Silver Level Safe Sitter® Provider. Teaching almost 100 students safety in babysitting per year, we are proud to work in partnership with Safe Sitter® to provide training for youths and teens in our area. 

What is the Safe Sitter® Course?

This pediatrician-developed program teaches young babysitters everything they need to know to keep themselves and the children in their care safe. The nationally-recognized program includes childcare, basic first aid, rescue techniques (like choking, CPR, and first aid,) babysitting as a business, and online and cell phone safety. 

Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students ages 11-16 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. This Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. 

During this one-day workshop, students will learn:

• Safety Skills: Students learn how to prevent unsafe situations and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies.

• Child Care Skills: Students learn tips to manage behavior that will help them stay in control of themselves and the children in their care. Students also learn the ages and stages of child development and practice diapering.

• First Aid & Rescue Skills: Learning skills such as choking rescue is often students’ favorite part of the class. Students also learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses. 

• Life & Business Skills: The ability to screen jobs, discuss fees, and greet employers will set students up for success now and in the future. Students practice these skills through various role plays.

This intensive program teaches young teens the skills and knowledge needed to be safe babysitters. Young teens need training in first aid, indoor and outdoor safety, and handling household emergencies before being adequately prepared to stay home alone or watch younger siblings. 

Safe Sitter® graduates know how to prevent injuries to themselves and others, handle common household emergencies, and safely care for younger children. Almost 200 graduates across the country have used the skills they learned in their Safe Sitter® class to save someone in an emergency.

Upcoming Safe Sitter® Workshop Dates:

• Saturday, May 11 8:00am-1:30pm
• Saturday, June 15 8:00am-1:30pm