Better Babysitters

We currently offer both virtual and in-person classes. Virtual classes are hosted on Zoom and students can join from anywhere. In-person classes are hosted in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett and Federal Way.

The comprehensive curriculum provides games, activities, safety skits and practice with life-size dolls. Students receive a Better Babysitters Guidebook to review with their parents and to take with them when they babysit. In general, the course covers:

Being a better babysitter

• Why do you want to babysit?
• How do you get babysitting jobs?
• Deciding how much you want to charge
• What to do when someone asks you to babysit
• Getting to know the kids
• Getting instructions
• Tips on being professional
• Talking with adults

Caring for children

• Child development basics
• Caring for children (babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children)
• Special care for children of all ages
• Playtime
• “Tools” for working with children

Safety and injury prevention

• Home safety tips
• Personal safety tips

How to handle emergencies and illnesses

• How to call for help
• Emergencies
• Illnesses and other problems

At-home activities

• Setting ground rules (worksheet)
• Talking with adults (practice)
• Making meals and snacks (checklist)
• How to handle ups and downs (practice with “tools”)

No, Better Babysitters safety and injury prevention content covers home and personal safety tips, how to call for help, how to handle emergencies and common illnesses and problems. Taking a CPR course is a great complement to the Better Babysitters curriculum. Visit the American Heart Association website to find a CPR course in your community.

Yes, if they attend the entire class. If your child misses more than 20 minutes of class they will not receive a certificate. If this poses a problem for your family or child, please email Seattle Children's registration at [email protected] to discuss options for making up the missed course content.

Please note that the certificate is merely an acknowledgement that your child completed the course. It is the sole responsibility of parents to determine if and when their child is ready to babysit.

Please do what works best for your family. We appreciate your understanding that we cannot issue a certificate to anyone who does not attend the entire class.

If your child desires the certificate, please email our registration at [email protected], Monday–Thursday, to discuss options for making up the missed material.

No. Parents who want to attend the class will need special permission. Please email Seattle Children’s registration at [email protected] if you have questions about attending the class with your child.

No. The Better Babysitters class is designed for children ages 11 through 14. The focus of the class is to prepare your child to fill the role of babysitter.

We recognize that maturity and readiness falls on a continuum. Like school districts, we found we needed to establish a minimum age.

This policy is based on the collective expertise of numerous developmental pediatric professionals and our 30 years of experience. It is not based on any Washington state laws about how old a child needs to be to babysit as there are no such laws on the books.

Yes. But, please know that the class is designed for younger students. We have found that students older than 14 do well as long as they want to take the class and understand that the class is not geared for their age group.

You will see a confirmation once you have successfully registered. You should also receive an 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 Seattle Children’s registration line at 206-987-9878.

To change an existing registration, simply sign into your registration profile. All changes must be made by 10 p.m. the Wednesday before your class and will incur a $10 fee. After this deadline, registrations are final and non-refundable. View space availability for upcoming Better Babysitters classes.

If you would like your child to be in the same classroom as a friend, please ensure that they signed up for the same classroom on the same day. Please note that instructors usually cannot change classroom assignments during check-in. This allows us to start class on time and eases the flow of check-in for all families.

Yes. Group size can be up to 12 students. There is an option to "add guests" to accommodate a large group to register for an existing class.

Private classes can accommodate a larger group of up to 22 students and cost a flat fee of $1,145. If you require a private class for a group, please complete a request form.

Almost always, yes. Please email [email protected] to discuss how we can best accommodate your child’s needs. Please note that depending on the accommodation required and class you are registering for, we may need up to 3 weeks’ notice.

Yes. Our student code of conduct is as follows:

To ensure a safe and positive learning environment, all students are expected to follow these agreements: 

1. Safety: Always keep yourself and others safe.
2. Responsibility: Participate with your best effort and use class equipment appropriately.  
3. Kindness and respect: Treat classmates, teachers, yourself, and the learning space with kindness and respect. 
4. Inclusion: Encourage and welcome everyone to participate in class.  
5. Creativity and curiosity: Explore, engage, and enjoy learning in a supportive class environment. 

Classroom expectations 

Students are expected to: 

• Listen and follow directions 

• Show respect for others, the space, and all materials 

• Use appropriate language and behavior 

• Keep phones and electronic devices stored away during class time 

Behavior guidance and support 

Our goal is to create a safe, respectful, and engaging environment for every student. If a student’s behavior becomes disruptive, we will work together to guide them back on track using the following approach: 

1. First and second occurrence: The teacher will speak with the student to help them understand the issue and make a positive change.  
2. Third occurrence: The teacher will check in with the student again and notify their parent or guardian.
3. Ongoing concerns: If the behavior continues, the student may be dismissed from the class. A parent or guardian will be contacted directly.  

Please note: Refunds are not available in the case of dismissal due to behavior.  

Examples of unacceptable behavior 

• Refusing to follow class rules or staff directions 

• Using inappropriate language or gestures 

• Stealing or damaging class or personal property 

• Refusing to participate or cooperate with staff 

• Disrupting others’ learning 

• Leaving the building without permission 

• Endangering the safety of others 

• Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or inappropriate conduct 

• Teasing, bullying, or intimidating classmates or staff 

• Physical fighting or aggression 

Download the Family Information Form (PDF).