A significant opportunity exists for K-State Extension to expand support for families needing short-term and non-traditional childcare by training youth in safe caregiving practices through its “Prepared to Care – Babysitting Clinics” offered throughout the state. According to youth and development Extension agent for the Chisholm Trail District, Tristen Cope, just 200 facilities offer evening care, 39 offer overnight care and 129 provide weekend care, leaving a large percentage of working families with limited to no formal childcare options. She explains how the babysitting clinics prepare youth to fill some of those gaps.
Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.
Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.
K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.
