Red Cross to Offer Training Courses for Babysitters

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross will be holding Babysitter’s Training courses on Monday, Feb. 18, at six locations in the northern half of the state.

The course, designed for youth ages 11 to 15, will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on President’s Day at the following Red Cross locations:

• 707 Alexander Rd. in Princeton
• 14 West Cliff St. in Somerville
• 321 Elm St. in Westfield
• 209 Fairfield Rd. in Fairfield
• 74 Godwin Ave. in Ridgewood
• 93 Spring St. in Newton

Used to train and certify over 120,000 babysitters nationwide each year, the course teaches young people how to supervise children and infants and perform basic child-care skills such as diapering, feeding and dressing.

The course also teaches how to identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, care for common injuries such as burns, cuts and bee stings and how to find and interview for babysitting jobs.

“Parents look to hire trained babysitters who know how to provide proper child care and handle emergency situations,” says Kenneth Salvatore with American Red Cross Preparedness, Health & Safety Services. ”Babysitter’s Training uses hands-on activities, exciting video and role-plays to help participants learn how to be responsible babysitters.”

As a part of the $85 course fee, participants receive the Babysitter’s Training Handbook containing information to use in class and on the job; an Emergency Reference Guide providing step-by-step instructions to handle common emergencies; a CD-ROM including tools such as a printable activity booklet with games, songs and recipes, a resume template and more.

To register for this or any upcoming Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course, visit www.redcross.org and select “Take a Class” or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Space is limited so please register early to reserve a seat. Attendees should pack a lunch for the all day class.