Case Studies of Best Practices

There are almost 900 Safe Sitter® teaching sites across the United States and in England. Some are brand new sites and some have been teaching Safe Sitter® for many years.

We are pleased to share with you some of their best practices. . . what they do to make their Safe Sitter® programs hugely successful.

Case Studies of Best Practices Archive

White County Memorial Hospital

The same five Safe Sitter® Instructors have taught continuously in Monticello, Indiana for 15 years and they still love it!

Site Coordinator Sharon Hartwell and Instructors Laura Bernfield, Deb Bunnell Cheri Sturgeon and Glinda Whitham have taught three to six Safe Sitter® classes each year. 

"The hospital does many community programs and the Safe Sitter® program is well known," said Sharon. In fact, after 15 years, the hospital receives calls from parents to be on the waiting list even before an announcement about classes has been officially released. 

Announcements are put in the local paper but, in this close knit community, it makes sense that news is spread by word-of-mouth.  "Many of our graduates still live in this community and we see them often. We have families where all of their children have taken the class. Whenever they see us in town, they always talk to us," Sharon said. 

Sharon added, "It's amazing to talk to graduates and hear them say they still have their Student Manual." She also enjoys talking to parents who express amazement at what their children have learned. 

Sharon's still energized by the experience of teaching. "We keep teaching due to what it gives our youth. They get a great quality class and learn so much. They gain self respect knowing they have completed something and have a base education to make them a better parent," she said. 

However, the class imparts more than just an education. It also helps a child's confidence blossom.  "The students are like little closed flower buds," Sharon said. "Some came to the class because they had to. They are quiet and shy but that only lasts one to two hours. Then they open up and talk and participate, meet many new friends, and have fun!"