While students may be enjoying the two days off from school this week due to the wintry weather, it can pose a significant burden on working parents who lack childcare.
An upcoming babysitting class is aiming to help address this problem by equipping teenagers with the skills to responsibly watch children.
Southwind Extension Family/Consumer Science Agent Cassidy Lutz is organizing five standalone babysitting classes in collaboration with Southwind Extension, scheduled for March 11-March 15 at locations in Chanute, Humboldt, Iola, Yates Center, and Fort Scott.
“I focus on family and child development in my role,” said Lutz. “By offering the babysitting class, I’m trying to pair a new area of specialization with a community need.”
Lutz added that Amanda Clausen is helping with the class. As the District’s Community Vitality agent, Clausen seeks entrepreneurial opportunities for youth. 
The course will cover essential topics such as phone safety, personal safety, “stranger danger,” home hazards, emergency preparedness, the importance of play, and understanding behavioral issues. Additionally, participants will receive training in CPR and first aid, although it won’t result in certification.
“A lot of times parents look to other options if they can’t find childcare, with a more dire need in summer,” Lutz said. “That starts to be a safety concern. Babysitters may not always have the training they need. With this training in safety, parents can have a little bit more confidence.” Those taking the class will get a certificate after completion of the course.
The class, open to individuals aged 12 to 18, will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch. Lessons will be incorporated at lunchtime on preparing nutritious age-appropriate meals. Lutz mentions that the district is actively seeking partners to fund the class, anticipating a nominal registration fee.
Each class is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
• March 11: Chanute Central Park Pavilion
• March 12: Humboldt Methodist Church
• March 13: Iola Masonic Lodge No. 38
• March 14: Fort Scott Fairgrounds community building
• March 15: Yates Center Fairground community building
Lutz also acknowledged the evident need for more available daycare spots, citing various coalitions and community groups within the district that have witnessed a surge in children requiring childcare services.
