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Published on September 18, 2024

Safe Sitter classes offer safety, child care tips to teens

Teenagers who are home alone after school or babysitting others can learn important safety and life skills during upcoming Safe Sitter classes offered through the YMCA of Coastal Carolina in partnership with Tidelands Health.

Teens graduating from the Safe Sitters program pose holding their certificates of completion.The classes are designed to help prepare students to stay safe when they are home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Class participants get instruction on a range of important topics, including safety, first aid and behavior management. Participants are also taught life and business skills to help set them up for success now and in the future.

The class is open to students in sixth through eighth grades. Tidelands Health, the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, collaborates with the YMCA to offer Safe Sitter classes. Two classes are scheduled this fall:

  • Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA, 5000 Claire Chapin Epps Drive in Myrtle Beach
  • Monday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, 529 Browns Ferry Road in Georgetown

“Young teens staying home alone or watching others can benefit from the safety and life lessons offered during the Safe Sitter classes,” said Kelly Thompkins, senior director of community health resources at Tidelands Health. “Featuring role-playing exercises, guided discussions and games, the classes create a fun and productive environment that will help teens learn the skills to be safe and successful.”

Classes are $50 per student. Register online at https://www.coastalcarolinaymca.org/.

For more information or to request a class, contact Tidelands Health community health resources at chr@tidelandshealth.org.

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.