Photo from Copper Shores website Safe Sitter Instructor Heather Johnson, right, teaches students in grades 6-8 how to safely babysit.

HANCOCK — Middle schoolers are invited to attend Copper Shores’s Safe Sitter program, which recently added more dates. The popular program is designed to teach skills relevant to babysitting — everything from CPR, to emotional regulation and diaper changing.

Youth Development Specialist Callisto Cortez said this training will make for better babysitters no matter who the students are sitting.

“It’s designed for them if they’re watching a younger sibling, relatives or if they want to start babysitting to potentially get paid,” Cortez said. “It gets them ready to be prepared of what that looks like.”

Aside from knowing how to do CPR, how to call for help, basic first aid and how to safely take care of a child, students can learn how to manage their emotions while under stressful situations. Cortez said there is a lot to learn in the five-hour long sessions.

“They also learn about behavior management and how they can stay in control of themselves while children are in their care,” she said. “Then they learn about the different ages and stages of child development, and also practice how to change diapers.”

According to michigan.gov, babysitting is one of the most commonly recommended jobs for younger teens — the same age bracket Copper Shores is asking to attend these sessions.

“It’s not just about babysitting; it’s about being trusted, learning independence and gaining skills you can use in everyday life,” Safe Sitter Instructor Heather Johnson said. “Taking this course is a great way for young people to learn the skills and confidence needed to care for children safely and responsibly.”

Cortez said this is the second year running these training sessions. It is peak babysitting season, as parents could go on vacation or enjoy a nice evening in the Keweenaw.

“A lot of it is learning about safety skills and what students can do to help prevent against unsafe situations,” she said. “When I say dangerous, it could be if there’s a threat to life to the child that they’re babysitting they know how to handle that.”

All sessions take place at the Copper Country Intermediate School District CTE Training Center in Hancock, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15 – Thursday, July 16

Wednesday, July 22 – Thursday, July 23

Tuesday, August 4 – Wednesday, August 5

If parents want to register their children for these sessions, Copper Shores suggests registering early. Register for free by visiting coppershores.org. For questions or concerns, contact Copper Shores Youth Development Specialist Callisto Cortez at cdcortez@coppershores.org or by phone at 906-523-5920 extension 2061.

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