The first time one of my students handed me her babysitting flyer, she hesitated before explaining it. She quietly switched between Spanish and English as she described her skills. By the end of the program, she was confidently presenting herself as a future business owner.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my work has been identifying ways to amplify the voices of young people who may not yet see themselves as leaders. My ONE BIG THING centers on using the Super Sitter program as a platform to build confidence, entrepreneurial thinking, and digital communication skills. This program is particularly beneficial for youth who need opportunities to see their ideas valued and heard.
Super Sitter is traditionally known as a babysitting certification program, but in my implementation, it has evolved into something much more. It serves as an entry point into career development, where youth not only learn responsibility and caregiving skills but also begin to see themselves as capable professionals. The majority of participants in this program are Spanish-speaking youth, many of whom are navigating spaces where English is not their first language. Because of this, creating intentional opportunities for confidence-building and self-expression is essential.
What has been especially powerful is the integration of Apple technology to support this growth. Using iPads and applications like Pages, participants design their own professional flyers to promote their babysitting services. This process goes beyond simply creating a document. It becomes an exercise in self-expression, branding, and confidence-building. Youth are asked to think critically about how they present themselves, what skills they bring, and how to communicate their value to others.
For many participants, this is the first time they have been positioned as creators rather than consumers of technology. They are not just completing an assignment; they are developing something with real-world applications and potential economic impact. In doing so, their voices are amplified not only by what they say but also by what they create.
How I Amplify Youth Voice through Super Sitter
Step 1: Start with Skill Building
- Teach foundational babysitting and responsibility skills
- Build comfort and trust in the learning space
Step 2: Introduce Digital Creation
- Use iPads and Pages or Keynote to design a babysitting promotional flyer
- Guide youth through adding services, pricing, and contact information
Step 3: Encourage Self-Expression
- Allow students to design in English, Spanish, or both
- Emphasize personal strengths and identity
Step 4: Practice Communication
- Have youth explain their flyers or promotional tools to peers
- Support confidence in speaking and presenting
Step 5: Connect to Real-World Application
- Encourage youth to use their flyer for actual opportunities
- Reinforce that their work has value beyond the classroom
What begins as Hesitation often turns into Confidence and Ownership
Equally important is the confidence that emerges through this experience. As youth begin to see their ideas come to life and recognize their ability to communicate across languages and audiences, they grow more comfortable sharing their voice. What may start as hesitation often shifts into pride and ownership of their work.
This work is especially important for youth who may not always have access to such opportunities. By intentionally creating space for them to explore, design, and share, we are helping them build confidence in their abilities and recognize their potential. The technology becomes a tool, but the true outcome is EMPOWERMENT.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that every young person leaves this experience not only with a certification but with a strong sense of self, a voice that feels valued, and the confidence to pursue future opportunities. While this work is grounded in a babysitting certification program, the approach extends far beyond it. By combining skill-building, digital creation, and real-world application, these strategies can be used in entrepreneurship, career exploration, and other learning spaces to help youth see themselves as capable, confident creators and leaders.
This work is not just about preparing youth to babysit. It is about preparing them to see themselves as capable, confident individuals who can create, communicate, and lead in any space they choose.
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.