Better Babysitters
Youths 11 to 13 years of age learn responsible babysitting by studying basic child development, infant and child care, safety, how to handle emergencies, age-appropriate toys, business hints and what parents expect.
Classes are currently offered in Seattle, Bellevue and Everett. Bellevue classes are provided in partnership with Overlake Hospital Medical Center.
Classes fill up quickly. All dates may not be available. Click the "Register" button below to check class availability.
Please call the Registration line at 206-789-2306 with additional questions.
Classes fill up quickly. All dates may not be available. Click the "Register" button below to check class availability.
Is lunch provided?
No. Please pack a lunch, snack and water bottle. There is no cafeteria available.
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If I have more than one child and want them to attend the same class, do I have to register each child separately?
Yes. The class fee is $40 per child and each child needs to be registered separately.
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I want to sign up another child, who is not part of our family, in addition to my own. Can I do that?
It is not possible to sign up a child who is not part of your family. Each family must sign up their own child for the class. Adult consent is required when registering, and you can only grant consent for your child. Also, the registration system assigns each family an account. If you choose to take another class in the future, your registration will fall under your family's account.
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I want to sign up a whole group of students (like a Girl Scout troop). How do I do that?
It is not possible to sign up a group. Each family must sign up their own child for the class. Adult consent is required when registering, and you can only grant consent for your child. Also, the registration system assigns each family an account. If you choose to take another class in the future, your registration will fall under your family's account.
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I want to schedule a private class. How do I do that?
Group size can be up to 22 students. Our ability to accommodate private classes is subject to instructor availability. Do not use the online system to register for private classes. For more information, call the Seattle Children's Class Coordinator at 206-987-9879.
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How will I know if my registration is confirmed for the class?
You will receive a confirmation email when you complete the registration process and pay with a credit card. If you do not receive a confirmation email but believe that you have registered, please contact Registration at 206-789-2306.
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Is my personal information secure?
The online payment system uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) software with the latest encryption technology designed to keep your personal information safe.
All of your personal information – including your name, address and credit card number – is encrypted for maximum security. Your personal information cannot be read as it travels to our registration system.
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Will I be placed on a mailing list if I register for a class?
No. You will only receive messages specifically related to the class you signed up for (confirmations, cancellations, etc.). You will not receive any other emails, mailings or phone calls.
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If a class is full, how do I get on the wait list?
There is no waitlist option for these classes, but we encourage you to check back often as spots do open up occasionally. All class registrations close at noon two business days prior to the class date, after which time no new registrations can be accepted. Please do not just show up to a class hoping for an available spot, as instructors cannot accommodate same-day registrations.
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How do I transfer or cancel a class?
To cancel or transfer a class, call Registration at 206-789-2306. You may cancel a class and get a refund or transfer a class three or more business days before the class date for a $10 transaction fee.
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If a class has to be canceled due to weather conditions or instructor emergency, how will I be notified?
We make every effort to avoid canceling classes. In the event of a cancellation, we notify the class via email as early as possible, which is generally the morning of the class date. If you do not respond to the email, we will call the number you provided during registration. Registration staff will contact you via email with rescheduling information within a few days.
If you are unsure if your class has been cancelled, please check your email, if possible, before calling Registration at 206-789-2306 or Seattle Children's Operator at 206-987-2000.
Road conditions around Seattle, Bellevue and Everett vary greatly, so if your class is not cancelled, but you feel it is unsafe to drive, please stay home and contact Registration to reschedule your child's class.
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What do I do if I need an interpreter?
If you need an interpreter, please let staff know when you register and one will be provided.
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My child has a disability. Can that be accommodated?
Yes. Please contact the Children's registration line at 206-789-2306.
All Better Babysitters classrooms are wheelchair accessible.
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Where can I get additional copies of the Family Information Form that my child received during the class?
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Does Children’s keep a referral list for people in the community who are looking for a babysitter?
No. For liability reasons, Children’s does not keep a referral list of babysitters.
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