Local Youth Build Skills Through Safe Sitter Essentials Course

DELAWARE COUNTY  — Cornell Cooperative Extension of  Delaware County hosted six local students for a full day of learning and hands-on  practice during its Safe Sitter® Essentials babysitter safety course held on November 22. 

Throughout the training, students explored the foundations of child development and  learned how to keep both themselves and the children they care for safe. The class  atmosphere was a mix of focus and fun as participants practiced essential caregiving  skills, including proper diapering techniques and how to respond if an infant or child is  choking. 

In addition to safety skills, the course emphasized the business side of babysitting.  Students learned how to communicate effectively with families, set expectations, and  prepare for the unexpected—skills that help young caregivers approach babysitting as a  responsibility and a job. 

By the end of the day, each student proudly received a Certificate of Completion,  recognizing the new knowledge and confidence they gained through the program. 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will offer the Safe Sitter® Essentials  course again in May 2026, giving more local youth the opportunity to learn how to care  for children safely and responsibly. 

For additional information about upcoming youth programs, please contact Dove Karn,  Human Ecology Team Leader dmk243@cornell.edu at Cornell Cooperative Extension of  Delaware County.