A babysitting safety course is returning to the area next month, giving local preteens and teens the chance to build confidence and learn lifesaving skills before taking on babysitting responsibilities.
The Safe Sitter course will take place on Friday, June 5th, from 9 AM until 2:30 PM and will be held in the Community Room at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, located at 1600 Walnut Street in Jacksonville, IL.
The program is designed for students ages 11 to 15 and focuses on helping young babysitters become more responsible, prepared, and confident while caring for children.
The class is free of charge, thanks to the support provided by the Taylorville Memorial Foundation, with lunch also provided by the TMH Auxiliary. Throughout the day, students will participate in hands-on training that covers a variety of important safety topics.
Participants will learn lifesaving techniques for choking emergencies and will practice skills using training manikins during interactive sessions. Students will also receive a workbook to take home as part of the course materials.
In addition to emergency response training, the course will feature role-playing exercises, games, and group activities designed to teach students how to respond to everyday situations that may put children at risk. Organizers say students will learn how to stay calm and make safe decisions in a variety of situations. Lessons for safe practices during emergencies will include severe weather and other unexpected events.
Parents will also have the opportunity to see what students learned during the day. A special demonstration for parents is scheduled for 2:15 PM, where students will showcase some of the safety skills and techniques they practiced throughout the course.
Organizers say the program continues to be a valuable opportunity for young people who want to prepare for babysitting jobs while learning important safety and leadership skills that can benefit them for years to come.
For more information on the Safe Sitter or to find a class near you, go online to safesitter.org
