Where Can I Find Classes and Courses on Babysitting?

It is important to have the right credentials and training to start your babysitting career. A babysitting class is a great way to get the foundation you need. The American Red Cross Babysitting Courses give you the basic training a babysitter needs. Designed for 11 to 15 year olds, their Babysitter's Training Course is one of the most popular throughout the country. You can complete the course in just one day! To enroll, contact your local American Red Cross Chapter.

The YMCA also has excellent babysitting classes offered year-round. Check your local YMCA to see the schedule and appropriate ages for classes offered. If you cannot make it to a local American Red Cross or YMCA, there are some free online babysitting classes you can take. Safesitter.org is a great place to start and sometimes these courses are offered at local churches. You can also try Babysittingclass.com. This website even offers quizzes to see how much you already know about babysitting. 

In some communities, Local Park and Recreation Departments will offer babysitting courses. If your town doesn't offer any, see if you can request it. Some local high schools and local colleges will often host a course and if you are a member of the Girl Scouts (or Boy Scouts), they probably have programs where you can get the training you need. Both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will receive basic First Aid training and, in some troops, CPR certification.  

>>Have more babysitting questions? Return to the main Babysitting FAQs.