Skip to main content

Bright Futures Academy (Safe Sitter)

Bright Futures Academy is a week-long camp-style program for children aged 9-14, aligned with the Indiana Core Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. Within this academy, students will work through the Safe SitterⓇ curriculum, which includes child care techniques, safety, infant/child CPR, choking rescue, injury management, and business skills. In this week-long summer camp, participants will complete the 10-hour Safe SitterⓇ Expanded curriculum, receive a nationally recognized certification in First Aid and CPR, engage in hands-on activities, and put their knowledge and theory into practice through hands-on classroom exploration. Additionally, students will engage in career exploration within the field of ECE and explore opportunities available within the high school CTE and apprenticeship programs.

Bright Futures Academy equips youth with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to care for children safely and responsibly. Through hands-on activities, certification training, and career exploration, participants will build valuable life and workforce skills that can be applied immediately.

By the end of the academy, participants will be able to:

  • Demonstrate essential child care, safety, First Aid, CPR, and emergency response skills.
  • Recognize basic stages of child development and identify age-appropriate caregiving practices.
  • Apply safe supervision techniques and make responsible decisions while caring for children.
  • Respond appropriately to common childhood emergencies, injuries, choking incidents, and other safety concerns.
  • Use positive behavior guidance techniques to support children's learning and development.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively with children, families, and employers.
  • Understand the responsibilities, reliability, and professionalism expected of child care providers.
  • Gain hands-on experience facilitating developmentally appropriate activities for children.
  • Explore educational pathways and careers in Early Childhood Education.
  • Learn about high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, apprenticeships, and workforce opportunities.

Bright Futures Academy is designed for youth ages 9-14 who are interested in building leadership skills, learning how to care for children safely, and exploring future career opportunities.

This program is ideal for:

  • Future babysitters and caregivers
  • Youth interested in working with children
  • Students exploring healthcare, education, or helping professions
  • Middle school students seeking leadership and responsibility skills
  • Students interested in earning industry-recognized certifications
  • Youth considering future Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways
  • Students who enjoy hands-on learning and interactive activities

No prior experience is required.

Child Care Essentials

  • Age-appropriate caregiving practices
  • Understanding child development
  • Safe supervision techniques
  • Positive behavior guidance and management

Health & Safety

  • Safe Sitter® curriculum
  • Personal safety and child safety
  • Injury prevention
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • First Aid & CPR Certification
  • Basic First Aid procedures
  • Infant and child CPR
  • Choking recognition and rescue
  • Responding to medical emergencies

Professional Skills

  • Communication with children and families
  • Responsibility and reliability
  • Professional behavior and decision-making
  • Problem-solving and leadership skills Hands-On Learning Experiences
  • Interactive child care simulations
  • Developmentally appropriate activities
  • Practical skill demonstrations
  • Real-world caregiving scenarios

Career Exploration

  • Introduction to Early Childhood Education careers
  • Education and training pathways
  • High school CTE opportunities
  • Apprenticeship and workforce readiness programs

While designed as an introductory youth academy, Bright Futures Academy helps participants develop foundational skills that support future education and career pathways in child care, education, healthcare, and community service professions.