Seminole County Fire Department Empowers Future Caregivers Through Seminole Safe Sitter® Program

The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) is helping prepare the next generation of responsible caregivers through its Seminole Safe Sitter® Course with CPR Certification, a nationally recognized program designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to care for children safely and responsibly.

In partnership with Safe Sitter®, SCFD offers a comprehensive one-day course for young people from the ages 11 to 14 that covers everything from childcare basics and behavior management to first aid, choking rescue, and emergency response. 

Participants also earn full Heart Saver CPR Certification through the American Heart Association, providing valuable lifesaving skills that can be used both while babysitting and in everyday life.

“Safe Sitter is one of the many ways we invest in the safety and preparedness of our community,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley of the Seminole County Fire Department. “This program teaches young people practical skills, builds confidence, and prepares them to respond appropriately in emergency situations while caring for children.”

The all-day course is taught by certified Seminole County Fire Department instructors who bring real-world experience and hands-on training to the classroom. Students learn essential caregiving and safety skills, including:

• CPR Certification through the American Heart Association
• Choking rescue techniques
• First aid and injury management
• Emergency response procedures
• Indoor and outdoor safety
• Online and personal safety
• Injury prevention
• Child development and childcare duties
• Behavior management
• Babysitter job and business skills

“The Safe Sitter program provides young people with knowledge that extends far beyond babysitting,” said Chairman Andria Herr, Seminole County Board of Commissioners. “By teaching responsibility, safety awareness, and emergency preparedness, we are helping build a stronger and safer community for families throughout Seminole County.”

Designed primarily for students in grades 6 through 8, the course gives participants the opportunity to gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and become safe and responsible caregivers. Courses are offered two to four times per year. 

Registration and a course fee of $50 are required. For more information about upcoming classes, visit www.seminolecountyfl.gov/safesitter, call 407-665-5126, or email SCFDCommunityOutreach@seminolecountyfl.gov.

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About the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD): The Seminole County Fire Department serves nearly a half-million residents countywide with 21 fire stations and responds to nearly 50,000 incidents annually. SCFD holds an ISO Class 1 rating, is accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CFAI), is gold standard–accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), and is an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. SCFD provides emergency services to unincorporated Seminole County and the cities of Altamonte Springs, Casselberry and Winter Springs, and maintains first-response agreements with Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Oviedo, and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Follow SCFD on Facebook (@SCFD.1974), Instagram (@seminolefd) and X (@SCFDPIO). For more information, visit www.SCFDFL.com.