Safe Babysitting Skills Focus of Classes

For More Information, contact:
John Althardt at (317) 221-2316

The Marion County Health Department is sponsoring a series of Safe Sitter babysitting classes for boys and girls ages 11-13. Classes will be held on Thursday, April 1 and Saturday, May 1.

Safe Sitter is a medically accurate program that teaches adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children.

Among issues covered during the classes:

· What to do when a child chokes

· How to call for emergency help

· Safety for the sitter

· How to react to strangers coming to the door

· Babysitting business skills

Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the listed dates at the following locations:

· April 1, Northeast District Health Office, 6042 E. 21st Street

· May 1, Marion County Health Department, 3838 N. Rural Street

To successfully complete the Safe Sitter program, students must pass a practical and written test, indicating they have mastered the key concepts and have the skills necessary to respond to an emergency.

Registration is required for the class, which fill quickly. The registration deadline is March 18 for the April 1 class and April 16 for the May 1 course, or until the classes are full. Cost of the class is $15, and participants will need to bring a sack lunch.

For more information, please contact Jessica Beatty at 221-7364.