The problem: Many middle schoolers are being tasked with watching their siblings and possibly other children. 4-H wanted to help educate these middle schoolers at Beaumont Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky. Being able to equip these 7th grade students will help them feel more successful and knowledgeable when they do babysit. 

The educational program response: There were 54 students in the Babysitting class at Beaumont Middle. 50% of them had babysat a sibling, a neighbor, or someone else for an hourly wage. 45% of the students felt comfortable holding a baby, taking care of an infant and toddler. The students were able to learn about infant care, ages and stages, what to do in an emergency or sickness/illness, they were able to make a healthy snack, and make a boo boo bunny for babysitting. 90% of the students said after the 8-hour session over 5 days that they would feel more comfortable babysitting someone. 

The participants/target audience: 7th grade middle school students at Beaumont Middle. 

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response. Many students came in not knowing how to care for a child or what to do in an emergency. After taking this class they felt more confident in starting their babysitting business. 80% of the student did not know what to charge families to babysit. They were able to do a worksheet to help them better understand what they should charge.