submitted October 10, 2019

According to Family Magazine, 76% of middle school age youth are babysitting either family members or other’s children.  Childcare training develops life skills in decision making.  The long- term outcome is that youth having babysitting education and practice become more confident parents. Babysitting is often a youth’s first gainful employment experience and money handling skills are exercised.   The Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H program offered 8 hours of babysitting classes for 145  youth from 2014 through 2019.  Youth learned about child development, safety and first aid, toys and activities for children and basic care of infants and children.   Evaluation included written pre-tests, post-tests, self-assessments and follow-up interviews. About 50% of the youth had not been paid to care for children prior to the classes.   96% of survey respondents reported greater confidence in their abilities caring for infants, toddlers and preschool children.   All participants reported learning at least one new skill and being more safety conscious, as well as developing responsibility.   When asked to name the most important skill or knowledge gained, 73% listed injury care and safety.  Sitters also reported that the fees they charged increased on average of $5.00 per hour as a result of the babysitting classes.  Several youth have reported obtaining new babysitting jobs as a result of the class.