American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers several options for young babysitters.  Babysitting Basics is an online course designed for students ages 11 and older.  The course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for children up to the age of 10, as well as to manage a babysitting business.  The course takes about four hours to complete and makes learning fun with lots of videos and interactive games.  Topics covered include:  The Business of Babysitting, From Feeding to Bedtime, Caring for Kids, It's an Emergency...Now What? and Playing with Kids of All Ages.  After scoring an 80% or higher on the final exam, a printable diploma is offered. 

The Red Cross also offers a Babysitter's Training Classroom Course.  This in-person course, which takes about 6 hours, teaches the same topics as the online babysitter training class, plus it offers hands-on skills practice and additional training in first aid.  You can also sign up for Babysitter's Training with Pediatric First Aid/CPR, which takes about 9 1/2 hours and also offers a 2-year certification in Pediatric First Aid/CPR.  A digital certificate is available upon successful completion of the course.  Classes are offered throughout New Jersey.  Check their website for times and locations.

Kennedy Health Center Babysitting Course, Sewell NJ
Kennedy Health Systems offers a Babysitting Certification Course for young people ages 11 and older.  The class consists of two sessions and is held on two consecutive Saturday mornings.  Topics taught include:  Babysitting Responsibilities, Growth and Development of Infants and Children, Playtime, Feeding Infants and Children, First Aid Skills, and Emergency Actions.  The class concludes with a final exam.  Call 856-582-3098 for more information.

Safe Sitter, Red Bank NJ
Safe Sitter is not just a class, It's a cause.  For over thirty years Safe Sitter has been preparing young teens to be safe in unsupervised settings, whether home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting.  The Community YMCA is expanding its efforts to nurture adolescents and support the safety of children with its new Safe Sitter Program.  The Family Health and Wellness Center in Red Bank is a Registered Safe Sitter Teaching Site.  Safe Sitter is a comprehensive babysitting training program for adolescents ages 11-14.  Nationally, the Safe Sitter program has graduated over 600,000 teens who are able to stay home alone safely and handle emergencies when caring for younger children. To register or for additional information, contact the Y at 732-741-2504.

The Health Awareness Center at Centrastate Babysitting Clinic, Freehold NJ
This Babysitting Clinic is a one day, all-inclusive information session that will help babysitters to be more confident by teaching them about safety issues and how to handle emergencies.  The class is open to girls and boys ages 11 to 16.  This class is held on Saturdays on a monthly basis.  The cost of the class is $40.  Check the website or call 732-308-0570 for more information and class schedule.  

St. Clare's Training Center Babysitter Course, Dover NJ
This course is designed for 11 to 14 year olds with an interest in babysitting for younger children.  The course covers infant and child CPR, obstructed airway procedures and rescue breathing.  Attendees will also be reviewing topics such as telephone calls, visitors, water hazards, diapering, feeding and basic first aid.  Participants receive a St. Clare's Training Center Course Completion Certificate.  For more details, or to register, call 973-989-3213.

Center for Healthier Living:  Babysitting Basics, Hackettstown NJ
This program will emphasize the responsibilities of the new babysitter.  The course is for kids from 11 - 13 years old.  This two part program will include personal safety, infant/child bathing, feeding, diaper change and bedtime routines.  Students will also learn basic first aid and pediatric CPR.  Participants will receive a babysitting course book and course participation certificate at the end of the two sessions.  Call 908-850-6935 to register for an upcoming class.