Youth earn babysitting training from Local Partners

By Editor | October 11, 2023 |

Submitted photo
Youth learned about healthy snacks and recipes for all ages. Pictured are Keeley and Brennan Shoemaker making fruit pizzas.

University of Illinois Extension and Jersey Community Hospital hosted a babysitting course on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the JCH Wellness Center. Twenty-seven youth participated in the six-hour course to learn the business of babysitting and how to be compassion childcare providers.

The babysitting training was a fun and fast-paced day filled with hands-on activities and lively discussions. Youth gained the confidence to make smart decisions and stay safe in any babysitting situation.

Special thanks to the local partners who helped make the babysitting training a success. Valerie Belusko, University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Educator discussed making babysitting a business and how to be successful entrepreneurs. Nathan Bishop, JCH EMS, and Chief Norman, Jerseyville Fire Department, instructed youth in CPR training. Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator covered nutrition for babies, toddlers and school-age children and participants got to make healthy snacks and discuss easy and safe meals to prepare while babysitting. Deputy Trisler with Jersey County Sheriff Department shared all things safety with the youth and helped participants work through real life scenarios. The day concluded with a session on child development with University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator, Jessica Jaffry.

The Jersey County 4-H program is open to all youth, ages 5-18 years old. In 4-H, young people learn about communication skills, decision-making, responsibility, leadership development, economic education and career exploration. A community working together for its youth will develop responsible young people who become responsible adults.

University of Illinois Extension provides practical education that helps people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. For more information about Jersey County 4-H and the other programs offered through University of Illinois Extension, visit the local Extension website at https://go.illinois.edu/cjmm or contact the Jersey County Extension office at 618-498-2913 or [email protected].