By MONIQUE KOERNER
Cottonwood Extension District
The Babysitting Clinic Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (10-18 yrs.) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for infants through school age children.
The participants will learn the basic information on how to be a competent, responsible, and caring babysitter. They will also develop “life skills” such as caring for and managing resources, decision-making, and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.”
Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better.
Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting.
We also partner with Ellis County EMS to provide CPR and First Aid training. The participants will be certified in CPR and First Aid upon completion of the class. Participants will also receive an information notebook, activity bag, and first aid kits.
Date: Monday, March 16, 2026
Location: Cottonwood Extension District, 601 Main St. Hays, KS
Time: Check-in 8:45 a.m - 4 p.m.
The cost is $50 for babysitting supplies, meal, and CPR/First Aid Certification. You can register online at: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Lij5HiDjR4Q0dM
Class size is limited to 15. The deadline to register is March 12, 2026. Please call the office if you have any questions.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.