Volume
20, Number 1, Fall 2009
Baraga County 4-H and Red Cross partner to train babysitters
By Bertha Rogers
In 2003, Baraga County 4-H became aware of the need for youth ages 11 to 15 to have a certified babysitting class. As the 4-H program associate in Baraga County, I contacted the local Red Cross chapter and became a trained Red Cross babysitter trainer. I was then able to offer this training to youth through our 4-H programming.
The 6-hour Red Cross babysitting course covers what to expect from parents; skills youth need to help them handle any real-life babysitting situation; basic first aid/CPR for infants and toddlers; interviewing skills; how to make good, responsible decisions; how to supervise children; how to choose age-appropriate games and toys, and how to perform basic care of infants and children. Each student receives a Red Cross Portfolio, Babysitter Handbook, Emergency Guide and a babysitter certificate for completing the course. Since 2004, more than 100 youth have been certified to babysit through the Red Cross program. |
