SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Many youth regularly help care for younger siblings, family members, or children in their communities but may not have the knowledge or experience to feel confident in that role. Providing youth with practical childcare skills, safety information, and age-appropriate activities can help them become more prepared and responsible caregivers.
To help meet this important need, Illinois Extension 4-H and Birth to Five Illinois are hosting a free hands-on Childcare Clinic designed to help youth build the skills and confidence they need to care for younger children.
The workshop will be held on Monday, Oct. 12, 1-4 p.m. at the Sangamon County Extension Office (700 S. Airport Dr, Springfield). The event is open to all local youth ages 10 and older, but registration is required at go.illinois.edu/4-HYouth101ChildcareClinic.
Attendees will learn how to safely care for younger children, hands-on childcare activities, fun and engaging activities for kids, practical ideas for keeping children busy and engaged, safety tips and best practices, and tips for being a responsible and prepared caregiver.
“Youth will learn practical skills they can use when caring for younger children,” said Carissa Davis, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator. “Our goal is to help them feel prepared, responsible and confident in their ability to provide safe and fun care.”
Illinois Extension is partnering with Birth to Five Illinois to host this workshop. Birth to Five Illinois works to strengthen early childhood systems and connect families and communities with resources that support young children and their caregivers. Both organizations share a commitment to supporting children, families and communities, making this partnership a great opportunity to provide youth with practical skills and knowledge they can use when caring for younger children.
Learn more about local 4-H activities at extension.illinois.edu/lms/4-h-youth-development.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.