The free, all-day class takes place on Reid’s main campus, and covers everything from child care basics to first aid. Jackie, a sixth grader, was especially excited about learning the Heimlich maneuver and meeting other kids her age who were interested in babysitting. “The instructors were really fun—it wasn’t boring at all,” she said. “I learned a lot of new stuff, like when to call Poison Control and what kind of behavior is normal for different age groups. By the end, I felt very prepared to be a mother’s helper or babysitter.”
Now a certified Safe Sitter, Jackie put one of her new skills to use just a few days after completing the class. “There was a two-year-old at my mom’s work, and she had a messy diaper,” said Jackie. “I offered to change it. That was pretty gross, but at least I knew what to do!”
For her part, Kris is thrilled with the training Jackie received. “When I started babysitting as a teenager, it was like ‘here’s my 18-month-old, see ya!’” Kris said. “I’m really thankful that Reid is teaching kids valuable lessons that will carry them through their adult years.”
About Safe Sitter®
Safe Sitter® teaches kids ages 11 to 14 everything they need to know to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Lessons include:
- Child care essentials
- Injury prevention and management
- Behavior management
- Staying safe
- Child care basics
- Infant and child choking rescue
- Babysitting as a business
The lessons, supported through Reid’s Community Benefit program, are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises. Students receive a canvas bag stuffed with supplies, including a flashlight, babysitting handbook and a notebook to record emergency numbers.
To learn more or register for a class, contact Angela Cline at Angela.Cline@reidhospital.org or (765) 935-8825.
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