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June 8, 2009
by Staff
General
Riley Hospital has partnered with American Red Cross- Key Chapter to offer Babysitter Boot Camp. The first session is Tuesday, June 16-Wednesday, June 17. A second session will be offered Wednesday, July 22- Thursday, July 23. The class will be held in the Riley Hospital Education Building from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day.
Babysitter Boot Camp is a two-day program that teaches adolescents, ages 11 and up, how to handle emergencies when caring for young children. “The goal of Babysitter Boot Camp is to reduce the number of accidental and preventable deaths among children being cared for by babysitters,” said Elizabeth Busbee, Riley Hospital Director of Marketing.
A certified professional teaches all medical information, including CPR training. During the course, students get hands-on practice in basic life-saving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis. The participants also receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers. They 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.
“Babysitting is more involved than just ‘watching’ the child,” Busbee noted. “Adolescents need to understand that a child’s life is in their hands, and the decisions they make may have serious consequences.” Riley Hospital is very proud to offer this program,” Busbee said. “I believe the program gives adolescents more confidence and knowledge on how to deal with problems, which makes them better sitters, and they carry this knowledge with them as they grow older and become better parents.”
Riley Hospital will offer two sessions of Babysitter Boot Camp this summer. The cost for the program is $45, which covers the cost of materials, lunch on both days, a take-home first aid kit, and CPR certification. For more information on the program or to register your child or your child’s babysitter, please call Elizabeth Busbee at 601-484-3586.
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