SGMC Health will offer Safe Sitter® classes this summer to help prepare middle school students with the skills and confidence needed to stay safe while home alone, babysitting, or caring for younger siblings during the summer months.
Safe Sitter® is a nationally recognized, nonprofit program designed to teach essential life and safety skills to young teens. The one‑day course includes medically accurate instruction and hands‑on practice in areas such as injury prevention, choking rescue, and basic first aid—skills that are especially important as children spend more time at home during the summer.
As a Level III Trauma Center, SGMC Health is committed to raising awareness around injury prevention and equipping families with the tools needed to reduce preventable injuries before they happen. Offering Safe Sitter® classes supports this mission by empowering young people with practical knowledge that can help keep themselves and others safe.
“Summer is a time when many children take on new responsibilities, whether staying home alone or caring for siblings and neighbors,” said Emily Brown, EMS and Trauma Director at SGMC Health. “Safe Sitter® helps build confidence, encourages responsible decision‑making, and reinforces safety skills that align with our commitment to keeping our community safe.”
In addition to safety fundamentals, participants learn how to handle common emergencies, respond appropriately under pressure, and develop leadership skills that promote accountability and preparedness. Each class is led by certified Safe Sitter® instructors and is designed to be engaging, age‑appropriate, and hands‑on.
Classes will be offered three times throughout May and June. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. The cost of the class is $50, which includes instructional materials and meals.