Life Skills Programs for School Counselors

A confident female teacher wearing glasses and a navy cardigan stands in the foreground of a bright classroom, smiling at the camera while students work at their desks in the background.

Over time, the role of a school counselors has transformed from vocational guidance providers to supporters of instructional, academic, and emotional development.  As a vital member of the education team, you create opportunities to facilitate programs in the classroom, afterschool clubs, elective blocks, and in summer camps.

Safe@Home for Elementary School Counselors

Elementary school counselors play a key role in teaching children to develop good habits both inside and outside of school. For instance, by 4th or 5th grade, many students begin staying home alone for short periods. As a result, offering Safe@Home by Safe Sitter® equips these students with the skills to stay safe when unsupervised.

During the 90-minute program, students learn to practice safe habits, prevent unsafe situations, and handle  power failures and weather emergencies. The program introduces the Safe Sitter® First Aid Chart and teaches students how to assess and respond to injuries and illnesses. The program is designed to prepare students for their first steps towards independence. You do not need to be a Safe Sitter® Instructor to teach Safe@Home.

Safe@Home

Taught by : Adult Facilitator, Safe Sitter® Instructor
Duration : 90 minutes
Participant Age : Grades 4-6
More Detail
Safe Sitter® Babysitting Course for Middle School Counselors

Middle school counselors address a wide range of responsibilities, improving the lives of students in and out of the classroom. Offering Safe Sitter® allows you to start career planning with students while preparing them to watch younger siblings or babysit for family friends.

In addition,  as students seek affirmation and acceptance from peers, you can help them build strong decision-making skills. Safe Sitter® teaches students to practice safe habits indoors, outdoors, online, and with others. For example, the child care and first aid sections of the class equips students to safely care for younger children. Life skills such as screening jobs, discussing fees, and interacting with employers prepare students to become the next generation of citizens, workers, and leaders.

To teach the Safe Sitter® babysitting course, you must complete Instructor training. This self-paced online training takes about four hours to complete. For a closer look at the curriculum, check out a sample of our curriculum or read more about each section of the course. Adding Safe Sitter® programs to your counseling toolkit ensures your students gain the resources and skills they need for academic and social success.

Safe Sitter® Babysitting Course

Taught by : Safe Sitter® Instructor
Duration : 10+ hrs of curriculum (4 hrs required)
Participant Age : Grades 6-8
More Detail

Summary

  • School counselors are uniquely positioned to offer Safe Sitter® programs during the school day, in afterschool clubs, elective blocks, and summer camps.
  • Safe@Home is a 90-minute program for grades 4–6 that teaches students to practice safe habits, handle emergencies, and respond to injuries and illnesses when home alone — no Instructor certification required.
  • Safe Sitter® is ideal for middle school counselors who want to help students build decision-making skills, career readiness, and the practical knowledge to care for younger children.
  • Safe Sitter® teaches students to practice safe habits indoors, outdoors, online, and with others — skills that support both academic and social development.
  • To teach Safe Sitter®, school counselors must complete Instructor training — a self-paced online course that takes about four hours to complete.
  • Adding Safe Sitter® programs to your counseling toolkit gives students real-world life skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Related Articles

The image shows a group of diverse preteens and teens playing outdoors in a sunny park. They are engaged in active movement, jumping, and smiling, radiating joy and energy. The setting features green grass, trees, and a bright blue sky, with some colorful objects like a parachute or kite adding vibrancy to the scene. It conveys a sense of fun, teamwork, and outdoor activity.

How Community Organizations Can Invest in Youth

Many young people in your community are already home alone or watching younger siblings —...
Read More
The image depicts a teacher standing at the front of a classroom, engaging with a group of students seated at desks. The teacher, holding a folder or book, is presenting information displayed on a large screen or whiteboard. The screen features an instructional diagram illustrating the "Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift" technique for unblocking airways, with labeled images showing "Shut Airway" and "Open Airway." The students appear attentive, and classroom elements such as books, backpacks, and a window provide a structured learning environment. This scene reflects a teaching session focused on first aid or rescue skills.

Injury Prevention Programs Designed for Grades 4-8

Older elementary and middle school students are frequent ER visitors — but they're rarely the...
Read More
This image shows four young girls standing outdoors in a grassy area with lush green trees in the background. The girls are smiling and standing side by side in a casual pose, dressed in colorful, casual attire suitable for a sunny day. The setting suggests a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, likely in a park or open field.

Helping Girl Scout Cadettes Earn Their Babysitting Badge

There's more than one way for Girl Scout Cadettes to earn their Babysitting Badge with...
Read More

SEND US A QUESTION

    Your Name

    Your Email (required)

    Confirm Your Email (required)

    City and State

    Subject

    Your Message