Babysitting Course

It’s that time of the year again!

Our ever-popular Babysitting Course is here!

Signups Required – online (you only need to sign up for the first day).

This free, 5-session course is open to students in 6th grade & above. Students must attend all 5 sessions to graduate & receive their certificate.

If there is an issue, students must talk to Lucia ahead of time to make any alternate arrangements possible. In general, we do not offer makeup classes due to staff schedules, and because we expect students to commit to the course just like you’d commit to a babysitting job. If this course won’t work for you, we will offer it again over the summer.

Each session will have homework assigned for the next week, including readings from an e-textbook. Students who do not have access to a computer or e-reader should tell Lucia so we can loan a print book- we have very limited copies.

• Day 1: The Basics. We will discuss expectations for the course, and cover the basics of babysitting & professionalism.
• Day 2: Emergencies. We will have first responders here to talk about their work & how to stay safe while babysitting or alone & to answer questions.
• Day 3: Ages & Stages. We will be discussing child development, activities to keep kids busy & happy, and discipline strategies.
• Day 4: Guinea Pig Day!!! Our story time families will bring real live small children for our sitters to care for & entertain for 1 hour, so bring your babysitting bags! Also, enjoy a dramatic picture book reading by Lucia.
• Day 5: Review & Graduation. We will finish up the curriculum, review the course, & then have a brief graduation ceremony at 5 PM.

For more information, visit the Portsmouth Public Library website.