Teens can train to be babysitters
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 15, 2012 1:46 PM
Wayne Memorial Hospital is offering a course to help babysitters handle the toughest parts of their jobs.
The Safe Sitter program is in its third year at the hospital, and is offered as a public service to the community, coordinator Phyllis Evans said.
"Basically, it's babysitting training," she said. "They're not certified in CPR, but will receive training in some of that. Also, how to care for the child, minor scrapes, what to do in an emergency and certain situations.
"Basically it's injury prevention and personal safety."
The Safe Sitter program has actually been around since 1980 and is taught across the U.S. and in England.
The 12.5 hour, two-day program features such topics as the responsibilities of child care, basic knowledge of child development, preventing problem behavior, safety for the sitter and compassionate behavior for babysitting. Also covered will be the business aspects of babysitting, including interview skills.
It also instills a sense of confidence, Ms. Evans said, which is not only essential for the sitter, but for the parent leaving the child in their care.
At the end of the session, a written test is given to test mastery of the skills taught. Students will also be required to demonstrate an ability in the care of a choking infant or child and infant/child CPR.
Safe Sitter is open to students ages 11 to 13 and cost is $25.
There will be three sessions over the summer months -- June 28 and 29, July 19 and 20, Aug. 9 and 10. Sessions run from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. A snack is provided and students are to bring a lunch or can purchase food in the hospital cafeteria.
For more information or to register, contact Ms. Evans at 731-6557, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.