American Red Cross to offer Babysitter's Training on the week of February 16

The American Red Cross, Central Mass Chapter will host Babysitter’s Training classes for youth ages 11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates during the February school vacation.

• Monday, Feb. 16 at the Red Cross office at 20 Main Street, Leominster
• Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Red Cross office at 60 Broad Street, Westfield
• Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Red Cross office at 2000 Century Drive, Worcester
• Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Red Cross office at 20 Main Street, Leominster

Babysitting is often a teenager’s first business. Babysitter’s Training from the American Red Cross builds confidence to hold, feed, and care for infants and toddlers, work with children safely, and deal with emergencies. It also teaches lifelong entrepreneurial and career development skills.

“This class will give students the opportunity to spend part of their holiday break learning things they’ll use the rest of their lives,” said JoLynn Burdick, Training Specialist for Central and Western Massachusetts. “Babysitter’s Training teaches the care-giving skills parents are looking for in prospective sitters, giving them the opportunity to jumpstart their babysitting careers.”

The fun, fast-paced class includes hands-on activities, videos, role-plays, take-home training materials, and discussion that will teach the teenager how to:

• Perform basic child-care skills such as diapering and feeding.

• Choose age-appropriate games and toys.

• Handle bedtime and disciplinary issues.

• Identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, and care for common injuries and emergencies.

• Communicate effectively with parents.

• Find and interview for babysitting jobs.

The cost of the class is $85.00, which includes a Babysitter’s Training Certificate from the American Red Cross, handbook and CD ROM. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch.

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. To register, call 1-800-733-2767, or visit www.redcross.org/take-a-class.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.