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2026 Instructor Update

2026 Safe Sitter® Instructor Update

Watch the video below to complete the update training.
Order the 2026 Update Package

Summary

  • The 2026 update aligns with current American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance and incorporates feedback from Instructors, students, and Site Coordinators.
  • Updated rescue skill techniques include back blows and abdominal thrusts for child choking, heel-of-hand chest thrusts for infant choking, and two-thumb chest compressions for infant CPR.
  • The Safe Sitter® Babysitting Course includes four required modules — Safety Skills, Child Care Skills, First Aid & Rescue Skills, and Life & Business Skills — totaling four hours. Optional modules can extend class time to 5.5–6.5 hours depending on selections.
  • New optional modules include Newborn and Infant Care, Outdoor Safety, and Injury Prevention. The Graduation Ceremony is also optional.
  • The new 3-hole punched Instructor Manual arrives shrink-wrapped with tabbed dividers, includes a guided script and updated Policies and Procedures, and is also available in the Safe Sitter® app.
  • The new Digital Presentation is delivered digitally (no wristband), works across platforms, and includes new CPR and choking rescue videos, new digital games, and a navigation menu for easy module access.
  • The new Game Pouch includes updated versions of the Safety Game, Injury Management scenarios, Behavior Management Bingo, Mission Possible scenarios, and a combined ASAP/Cancellation Game.
  • The new Student Handbook ($18.50) includes expanded content and a Completion Certificate inside the back cover — no separate cards. The Important Information Note Pad is $1.85.
  • The 2026 Update Package must be purchased by September 30, 2026 to maintain an active account license. Current (2016) Student Handbooks may be used through December 31, 2026, but old and new materials may not be mixed within the same class.
  • Active Instructors may request complimentary registration for the full 2026 online Instructor training course at no charge — one offer per Instructor, by request only. The required update webinar is separate and mandatory for all current Instructors.

FAQs

What is the Curriculum Update?

Safe Sitter, Inc. regularly updates materials to include the latest health and safety information, as well as the most recent rescue skills guidelines from the American Heart Association. The 2026 Update includes new materials for students and Instructors, with reorganized content for flexibility and updated CPR and choking rescue techniques. All active Safe Sitter® Providers will be required to purchase the Update Package*.

*Please note: Accounts that became active September 1, 2025 or later will receive the 2026 Update Package at no cost but will need to pay shipping & handling.

Why is Safe Sitter® updating the curriculum?

The curriculum was updated to align with current American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance, to stay relevant for today’s students, and to respond to Instructor feedback from real classroom experience.

When will the updated materials be available?

The new Update Package, Instructor Manual, and Student Handbook will launch in March of 2026. All Providers will be notified when the new materials are available.

Is there a deadline to update?

The 2026 Update Package must be purchased no later than September 30, 2026, to maintain an active Safe Sitter® account license.

Can I keep teaching using my supply of current Student Handbooks?

Yes, you can use your current supply of Student Handbooks (2016 version) through the end of 2026. While you can use the current Student Handbooks (2016 version) through the end of 2026, please note you cannot mix old and new materials, i.e., all students must use the same Student Handbook version in a class.

What is included in the Update Package?

The 2026 Update Package includes a new Game Pouch, Digital Games, a new Digital Presentation (including updated Choking Rescue and CPR videos based on American Heart Association updates), a 2026 Instructor Manual, and Instructor Update training.

How much will the update cost?

The 2026 Update Package is $199 plus shipping & handling. Additional Instructor Manuals may be purchased as needed.

Are there pricing changes for student materials and other items?

Yes. Effective with the 2026 update, there are slight price adjustments across the order form. For example, the Student Handbook will increase from $18.00 to $18.50. Updated pricing for all materials is reflected on the order form.

Are Instructors required to do a training to teach with the new materials?

Yes. All current Safe Sitter® Instructors will be required to attend a brief online update training webinar at no cost.

Do I need to relearn everything?

No. If you’re familiar with Safe Sitter®, you already know most of the content. Focus on the updated choking/CPR techniques, new optional modules, and streamlined games.

How long is the required curriculum?

The required curriculum is four hours, organized into four required modules: Safety Skills, Child Care Skills, First Aid & Rescue Skills, and Life & Business Skills.

What are the optional modules?

The optional modules include Challenge Accepted, Mission Possible, Newborn and Infant Care (new), Outdoor Safety (new), and other modules previously part of Safe Sitter® Expanded. The Graduation Ceremony is also optional.

Questions?

Jen Wyrick, Director of Programs and Program Support Specialist for the Northeast, smiling outdoors with a lush green forest in the background.

Jen Wyrick

Director of Programs
Program Support Specialist Northeast Region

Kate Nowlin, Program Support Specialist for the Midwest Region, smiles warmly in an outdoor setting with lush evergreen trees in the background.

Kate Nowlin

Program Support Specialist Midwest Region

Kae Clark, Program Support Specialist for the West and South Regions, smiling outdoors with a backdrop of green trees.

Kae Clark

Program Support Specialist South and West Region