Westcott Community Center
      Serving the needs of the community

Frequently  asked  questions

 Q:       What agencies are making this program possible?

 A:       Westcott Community Center Americorps VISTA Art & Education Project in collaboration with the Onondaga-Oswego Chapter of the American Red Cross, Onondaga County Public Health Department, and the New York State Center for Sudden Infant Death.

 Q:       What do program participants get?

 A:       Super Sitter’s Club participants receive training from professionals in health and child care, as well as the opportunity to market themselves through Central New York’s only sitter registry.  Participants over 17 years of age may be offered the opportunity to become peer trainers, able to provide community-based babysitter training and certification for other young people.

 Q:       Is there a cost to the program?

 A:       Yes.  There is a $10 fee that covers the cost of the Babysitting Handbook you will receive during the Babysitting 101 course series.

 Q:       Where will the classes be held?

 A:       The classes will all be held at Westcott Community Center, located on the corner of Euclid and Westcott.  The Center is accessible via public transportation [SU-Westcott bus].

 Q:      What times are the classes offered?

 A:       The times that the classes are offered vary, but are always between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  The Babysitting 101 course series is three consecutive days of training always starts at 3:00 p.m.  Please check our website, www.westcottcc.org,  for the next session.

 Q:      How do I register?

 A:       Come by our offices, 113 Lexington Avenue or 826 Euclid Avenue, to pick up an application.  If you have access to the web, you may download the application, complete it and return it to our offices.   The enrollment fee of $10 should be paid on your first day of class.

 Q:       How much money will participants make?

 A:       The number of clients and amount of money that will be made is left totally up to program participants.  The profit that a sitter gains from his/her business (i.e. promoting his/her skills and training) will be a direct result of his/her efforts; In other words, “those that do not move their feet will not eat.” 

 Q:      Why was this program started?

 A:       This program was started as a result of an ongoing community surveying initiative that was launched by the Westcott Community Center in response to the need for more teen programming and economic opportunities in the neighborhood.  Through the Summer Sitter’s, Club, youth from across Syracuse have the chance to become certified in-home childcare providers and essentially start their own businesses.

 Q:       How can I lend my support?

 A:       There are many ways to get involved.  Whether you would like to have members/affiliates of your organization participate, are able to provide training or presentations for teens related to childcare, or would like to provide a scholarship for a youth in need, please feel free to contact us at 315.218.0218.

The Community Art and Education Project is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service .