Eighteen area young people learned the skills needed to be safe, nurturing babysitters at the Safe Sitter program, taught locally on August 3 & 4, 2011.

            These young adolescents gained skills on feeding, bedtime routines, and child entertainment, as well as learning to handle medical emergencies, such as rescue breathing and choking.

            According to Site Coordinator, Barbara Miller, “the Safe Sitter® program teaches young adolescents how to help children stay safe and sound while their parents are away.  They also learn how to handle crises, how to keep their charges secure, and how to nurture and guide a young child”. 

            Safe Sitter instructors also benefit by making a difference in the lives of these adolescents and the children in their care.. This year’s instructors were:, Marcia Brockelsby, Bonnie Lawson, Linda Smith, Kris Daugherty, Hope Kennel, Barb Miller, and Seth Lockard and Lindsay McLaughlin from Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

            Local sponsoring agencies for the Safe Sitter® program include Taylorville Memorial Hospital, the Christian County Home and Community Education Association, and the University of Illinois Extension Christian County.

These groups enjoy the benefits of developing a positive relationship with Christian County children and their families.

            For more information about the Safe Sitter Program, please contact Barbara Miller, Site Coordinator, at 287-1055.