Cottonwood Extension District had hoped to provide the Babysitting 101 earlier this year but due to the weather and illness, it was postponed. March 10th is the new date. It is an inservice day for USD 489 students. We understand this won’t work for everyone, but hopefully we will be able to provide more of these throughout the year to reach all area youth.

The Babysitting 101 Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (11-15yrs) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for children toddler through school age. 

They will learn the basic information on how to be a competent, responsible, and caring babysitter. They will also develop “life skills” such as caring, managing resources, decision-making and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.” Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better. 

Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting. 

Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District 4-H Youth Development Agent, will be the instructor for the class. She has many years experience teaching this class in Great Bend.  We are excited to welcome her to the Hays office.

The cost is $10 for supplies and snacks. Please call the office to register your child or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu. Limited spots available.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.