Sheridan County residents received good news on the local public‑affairs show Public Pulse when YMCA Executive Director Liz Cassiday announced that the YMCA’s Safe Sitter classes will be offered again this fall. The program, which teaches teens practical child‑care skills and behavior‑management techniques, filled its first session to capacity, prompting the YMCA to add a second class.
What the Safe Sitter class offers
Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized curriculum that equips young people with the tools they need to supervise younger children safely. Participants learn how to handle common behavioral challenges, basic first‑aid procedures, and age‑appropriate activities that keep kids engaged. The training also covers legal responsibilities and best practices for parents hiring teen babysitters.
Details of the upcoming session
The new class will run on Saturday, September 12, and is designed for youth ages 11 to 13 who are serious about earning money through babysitting. It is a full‑day, hands‑on workshop held at the Sheridan County YMCA. Registration is open now via The Wire online platform, and spots are expected to fill quickly given the enthusiasm for the first session.
Why the program matters to families
For many families in Sheridan County, Safe Sitter provides a trusted pathway for teenagers to gain valuable work experience while giving parents peace of mind. By teaching responsible supervision techniques, the program supports traditional family values and encourages young people to contribute financially in a safe, structured environment.
Community response
Local parents and community leaders praised the YMCA’s effort, noting that the program fills a gap in affordable, quality child‑care training. “It’s wonderful to see our teens learning responsibility and earning money in a way that aligns with our family values,” said one parent who enrolled her 12‑year‑old in the first class.
How to sign up
Interested families can register through The Wire’s online portal. The YMCA advises completing registration as soon as possible, as the class reached full capacity in its inaugural run.
Liz Cassiday emphasized that the YMCA remains committed to offering programs that strengthen the community, stating, “Our goal is to equip our youth with skills that benefit their families and the broader Sheridan County community. We’re thrilled to see such strong interest and will continue to expand opportunities like Safe Sitter.”
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
