According to a new American Red Cross poll, parents say that good babysitters are hard to find and they want to entrust their children to babysitters trained in first aid, CPR and childcare skills. The 4-H Babysitting for Fun and for Profit Curriculum is designed for youth who are interested in learning the responsibilities of babysitting and learning to be responsible babysitters.

At Fulton Independent School, with the help of the FRYSC coordinator, the program was offered to all 4^th and 5^th grade students as an afterschool program. A total of 10 students both boys and girls participated over a four week period. Students who participated first completed a pre-test, then learned the characteristics of a good babysitter, infant growth stages, appropriate play, interviewing, discipline, and preventing and handling emergencies and the post-test.

Throughout the four weeks, students learned how to make kid friendly snacks and determined if the snack was appropriate for an infant, toddler, or child. A teacher and student from the Area Vocational School brought dummies and taught students how to administer first aid if a child was choking or stopped breathing. This hands on approach approved effective because the students received hands on learning. Baby dolls were brought and set up in stations so each student learned how to feed, diaper, clothe, hold a newborn. Toys were brought to class and students had to decide which toy was appropriate for what age child. They also learned how to get viable information from parents in case of an emergency.

Results from the pre and post test showed that students had gained knowledge because their scores had improved with only two students missing a question and all others getting all the answers correct on the post test. When asked what they learned, 88% said they would feel comfortable administering first aid in the event of an accident. 98% of students said, they learned that each child is different and they all can’t do the same things. 100% of students said, that you have to have these qualities nice and mature to be a good babysitter.