Training & Mentorship
Growing the village
from the inside out.
Whether you're a teen learning to care for children, someone curious about what a doula actually does, or an adult ready to build a career in perinatal support, there is a place for you here.
Village Teens · Ages 13–17
Babysitter Training
Our Village Teens Babysitter Training program gives teens the foundational skills to care for infants and young children safely and confidently. This is real training, not a one-afternoon workshop.
Training can begin as early as 13, giving teens the time to learn, practice, and build confidence before they're eligible for a working permit. Teens who complete the program earn a Village Her certificate of completion and are eligible for placement as a Village Teens sitter with families in our network.
Village Her covers the cost of training. We believe every young person deserves access to professional development, regardless of their financial situation.
Apply for TrainingWhat you'll learn
Safe sleep practices and infant positioning
Age-appropriate play and engagement
Recognizing signs of distress in infants and toddlers
Basic first aid and emergency response
Professional conduct in a family home
Communication with parents and caregivers
Village Her code of conduct and ethics
Certificate of completion upon graduation
What a shadow shift includes
Observe a Village Her doula or NCS during an active client placement
Learn what a real shift looks like: from arrival to handoff
Ask questions in a low-pressure, supported environment
Understand the emotional and physical demands of the work
Build your confidence before pursuing formal certification
Receive a written reflection and feedback from your mentor
Village Teens · Shadow Program
Shadow a Doula
Curious about what a doula or newborn care specialist actually does? The Shadow a Doula program lets Village Teens observe a real Village Her provider during an active placement. No experience required.
This is one of the most powerful things we offer. Seeing the work up close, the care, the skill, the relationship, changes how young people see what's possible for themselves.
Shadow shifts are arranged individually and matched thoughtfully. All family placements consent to having a Village Teen observer present.
Request a Shadow ShiftBecome a Provider
Ready to become
a perinatal provider?
If you feel called to support families but don't know where to start, Village Her is here to walk alongside you. We offer guidance, mentorship, and shadow opportunities as you pursue certification as a doula, newborn care specialist, or postpartum provider.
Birth Doula Training
We guide aspiring birth doulas toward accredited certification programs and provide mentorship as you complete your required births. Village Her supports you through the process from enrollment to certification.
Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)
Interested in overnight newborn care? We connect new providers with NCS training programs, help you understand what families expect, and offer shadowing opportunities with our working specialists.
Postpartum Doula Training
Learn the foundations of postpartum support: emotional recovery, infant feeding, household management, and family dynamics. We point you toward the right programs and walk alongside you as you train.
Shadow a Village Her Provider
Before committing to a certification program, shadow one of our experienced team members. See the work up close, ask honest questions, and decide if this path is right for you.
Ready to take the first step?
Apply through our team application and tell us where you are in your journey. We'll connect you with the right resources and mentors.
Your path in care starts here.
Whether you're 15 or 45, just curious or ready to commit, there is a place for you in the Village Her family.