Today’s families are stretched thin for care of children school-age and younger between heavy workloads, single parenting in many cases, elder caregiving, and children’s out of school activities. Middle-school and high school youth who are too young to find employment in the commercial sector are eager to earn money for personal wants and needs. They are willing to be trained as short-term child care providers, commonly known as babysitters.

The Union County Extension Service Office FCS Agent and 4-H Agent teamed up with a local Girl Scout troop to facilitate a Babysitting Class for 18 of their members.  The students attended 3- 2 hour classes using the 4-H Curriculum, “Kentucky 4-H Babysitting Basics 4 Fun and 4 Profit. The students received training covering safety, health, basic nutrition, child development/discipline and business practices.

Pre and Post tests were given and 100% of those that attended gained knowledge.  Comments made were primarily based on the best practices for an emergency event.