Trained to Sit While Summer Sizzles

Hope might have seemed lost for Springfield parents, who'd like a night out on the town, but they were saved by a squad of young girls. 

Trained in the art of baby-sitting, baby-sitters left parents at ease so they could enjoy a romantic evening. This summer: one town, one class, many satisfied parents, thanks to the “Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course."                               

As recently reported, the holds several times throughout the year, but now a one-time baby-sitting safety class is making a comeback.

“It first started with requests from girls in the community,” said Dan Boyd, director of Public Education on the Corps Board of Directors.

That first class had about eight girls who were between 13 and 15-years-old. At the time, the Corps used a trainer from the American Red Cross, as none of their staff or volunteers were qualified, Boyd said.

As the program is still new to the Corps, it will continue to be outsourced to the Red Cross, Boyd said.

According to the American Red Cross Web site, classes feature video instruction, hands-on training, activities and discussion of topics for a full, well-rounded learning experience.

Lessons covered include, but are not limited to, "Responding to emergencies and illnesses with first aid," "Rescue breathing and other appropriate care" and "How to make decisions under pressure."

The Red Cross will even teach students how to start their own baby-sitting business.

“Most people who baby-sit are young and the training exposes them to situations they may have not experienced already,” Boyd said.

The next baby-sitting safety class is planned for the end of June on date to be announced.

More information on the classes can be found in the attached flyers.