Baby-sitting classes set in Jamestown

The Buffalo Valley Chapter Red Cross is encouraging boys and girls 11 to 15 who would like to start their own baby-sitting business to enroll in the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Program.

Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Program can teach the skills needed to be a safe baby-sitter and smart business owner. Participants who enroll in Babysitter’s Training will learn how to tell when there is an emergency and when it’s a situation they can confidently handle on their own.

The class is taught by an authorized Red Cross Babysitter’s Training instructor who will also teach participants other baby-sitting skills such as:

*Supervising children and infants.

*Performing basic child-care skills such as diapering and feeding.

* Choosing safe, age-appropriate games and toys.

*Handling bedtime and discipline issues.

*Identifying safety hazards and preventing injuries.

*Caring for common injuries and emergencies such as choking, burns, cuts and bee stings.

*Communicating effectively with parents.

*Safely finding and interviewing for baby-sitting jobs.

Babysitter’s Training also gives participants tips on how to run their own baby-sitting business. The program will show them how to create a resume, interview with prospective parents and keep track of their baby-sitting clients.

The Red Cross trains more than 120,000 baby-sitters each year nationwide.

Upcoming classes are scheduled in Jamestown as follows:

Oct. 18: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $85. Bring a sack lunch.

Nov. 12: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $85. Bring a sack lunch.

Tags: community, education