Babysitters Course
Dear Editor: I would like to express sincere appreciation for everyone who helped make the 4-H Babysitters Certification Course a huge success.
The inspiration for this class came from the Sitka Health Summit in September 2022 when “trying to create a sustainable and affordable child care system in Sitka” was chosen as one of two goals to focus on this year. The support and interest from the community has been overwhelming.
Thank you to the Child Care Now group for their financial support and help in promoting this course as part of your larger vision to provide sustainable solutions to the current child care crisis in Sitka. Thank you to all the guest instructors for sharing their expertise and knowledge with this cohort of next generation childcare providers, specifically: Andrew Roseman (City of Sitka, Parks and Recreation), Gail Trujillo (Center for Community), Sarah Lewis (UAF Cooperative Extension Service Juneau District), Paul Norwood (SEARHC), Anna Schumacher (Jesuit Volunteer, Sitka Conservation Society), Katie Niedermeyer (Jesuit Volunteer, Sitkans Against Family Violence), Annette Evans (Ventures), Lolly Dahl (Sitka Fire Department), Kari Sagel (Sitka School District), Robert Woolsley (KCAW), and Garland Kennedy (Sitka Sentinel).
And most of all, thank you to the 14 engaged youths who participated, completed all the requirements and graduated the program. For those who would like a list of certified babysitters, more information on Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H club, or future babysitters courses you can contact me at jdshaw2@alaska.edu or 907-747-9440.
With gratitude,
Jasmine Shaw,
UAF Cooperative Extension Service,
Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H
Program Director
