Red Cross to hold ‘Cabin Fever’ babysitting training course

    PRESQUE ISLE – The Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter will offer a “Cabin Fever” Babysitting Training Saturday, Feb. 7 in Presque Isle (location will be announced when individuals register) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Snow date will be Saturday, Feb. 28.     This is a great opportunity for adolescents, ages 11 to 15, to get the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to care for infants and children and earn spending money. This training teaches the fundamentals of being a good babysitter and what to expect from the parent who hires you. Students will also learn how to:
    • Interview for a babysitting job.
    • Make good, responsible decisions.
    • Supervise children.
    • Adjust your actions based on the age of the child.
    • Keep children and yourself safe in the house and outside.
    • Choose safe and age-appropriate toys and games.
    • Handle an emergency or illness.
    • Perform first aid, including responding effectively to life-threatening emergencies.
    • Perform basic care routines like diapering, feeding, and dressing infants and children.
    • Handle bedtime issues effectively.
    • Market yourself safely.
    The Babysitting Basics course also provides training for real life:
    • Essential professional, leadership, and care-giving skills.
    • Safety skills to prevent emergencies.
    • How to manage real-life problems, including emergencies.
    • Tips on finding babysitting jobs.
    The babysitting course is ideal for current and future babysitters. It will teach them the best ways to be safe and keep children in their care safe. Babysitting Basics has been previewed and supported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Boy Scouts of America, Y.M.C.A. of the U.S.A., Boys and Girls Clubs, and 4-H.
    Students will receive a special portfolio and an American Red Cross certificate for CPR and first aid training. Cost is $45 per student. Students should bring a bag lunch and beverage. Healthy snacks will be provided.
    For more information, please call Ben Zetterman, community programs coordinator, at 493-4620 or e-mail zettermanb@pinetree.redcross.org. Seating is limited to 12 students and classes fill up very quickly. All registrations and fees need to be received no later than noon Friday, Jan. 30.