Saint John’s Health System is offering a Safe Sitter class on Oct. 23. Safe Sitter is a medically accurate baby-sitting preparation program designed for boys and girls ages 11 to 13.
This nationally recognized program teaches sitters how to have fun with children, to recognize a medical emergency and to respond appropriately. Safe Sitter participants learn safety and security precautions, such as what to do if a stranger comes to the door, and when and how to call for help. They receive information on child development and age-appropriate activities. They also learn about the business aspects of baby sitting.
The cost is $40, which includes all the learning materials for the one-day class and a backpack of supplies. Enrollment is limited. The class runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students should bring a sandwich for lunch. Snacks and beverages are provided.
Parents may enroll their children in the next class by calling Saint John’s Learning and Development Department at (765) 646-8669. Reservations also are being taken for a session on Dec. 23 during Christmas break.
The goal of Safe Sitter is to reduce the number of avoidable and unintentional deaths among children being cared for by baby sitters.
Safe Sitter was founded in 1980 by Indianapolis pediatrician Dr. Patricia A. Keener after a colleague’s child choked to death while under an adult sitter’s care. Thousands of young adolescents across the country have been trained by Safe Sitter to handle life-threatening emergencies.
All information is taught by Safe Sitter instructors. Teaching methodology includes hands-on mannequin practice in rescue skills, small group interactive learning, role playing and games.
Safe Sitter is committed to a policy of availability, affordability, and accessibility. In order to include children from low-income families, scholarships are available from the national office, according to a press release.
