Special Sitters

Special Sitters is a program that connects parents of children with disabilities to specially trained teen sitters who want to work with children. Camp Fire USA, in cooperation with United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County, recruits and trains teens who are then matched with families who need babysitting help for children age 12 and under.

“Through your program I had special sitters for the past seven years and they provided such wonderful services. I have some of the best sitters that any one can find. Those special girls helped me when we needed them the most. They helped me keep the family working as our wishes. My children grew up under the loving and tender care of those sitters. I will always be very grateful for your kindness and assistance. “ - …Bach-Tuyet Le, Andre’s parent

Special Sitters was created because...

• Parents of kids with special needs have a difficult time finding experienced sitters who are competent, enthusiastic and fun.
• Parents and kids need a break from each other from time to time.
• Children with special needs often require additional care and attention.
• Parents of children with special needs prefer using sitters with specialized training.

What a Special Sitter learns...

CPR Training and Basic First Aid
Sitters will receive CPR certification and training in basic first aid and safety procedures.

Communicating with Parents
Sitters learn how to present themselves to parents in an interview and how to best gather information concerning the care of the child.

Responsive Play
Sitters discover ways to play and communicate withchildren of varying abilities in a fun and appropriate manner.

Behavior Basics
Sitters learn to follow parent-directed behaviortechniques, focusing upon positive behavior reinforcement.

Special Needs
Sitters understand the different types of developmental disabilities and common adaptive equipment.

If you would like to hire a Special Sitter, please call Janet Winter at UCP of Orange County (949) 333-6428

If you would like to become a Special Sitter, please call Camp Fire USA 714.547.5200 x41