Free Childcare Clinic to Help Youth Build Caregiving Skills

Illinois Extension 4-H and Birth to Five Illinois will host a free Childcare Clinic on Oct. 12 in Springfield to help local youth develop practical skills for safely caring for younger children.

The hands-on workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sangamon County Extension Office, 700 S. Airport Drive. The clinic is open to youth ages 10 and older, and registration is required.

The program is intended for young people who may care for younger siblings, family members or other children in their communities. Participants will learn about childcare safety, age-appropriate activities and ways to keep children engaged while developing skills to become more responsible and prepared caregivers.

The clinic will cover safe childcare practices and provide hands-on activities that participants can use when caring for younger children. Youth will also learn safety tips, best practices and practical ways to keep children busy and engaged.

“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 offer the 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.

Registration for the Oct. 12 clinic is available at go.illinois.edu/4-HYouth101ChildcareClinic.

Illinois 4-H is the youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The program provides hands-on learning opportunities intended to help young people develop skills in areas ranging from agriculture to computer science while building leadership, confidence and resilience.

University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and resources throughout Illinois as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves all 102 Illinois counties through 27 multi-county units and more than 500 staff members statewide. Its program areas include 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment and energy.

More information about local 4-H programs and activities is available at extension.illinois.edu/lms/4-h-youth-development.