The City of Bridgeport’s first “Safe Sitter” babysitting course yielded a full class of local girls, ages 11 to 14. Fourteen teens and tweens are participating in today’s day-long activities, which include a realm of topics associated with child care.

 

Leading the course at the Benedum Civic Center is City Clerk Andrea Kerr and Bridgeport Fire Captain Phil Hart.

 

“I’ve been doing most of the instructing and Phil has taught them CPR, choking and first aid and also provided some information about calling 911 if they ever have to – what to expect and the kinds of questions they would be asked,” Kerr said.

 

The class has entailed everything from diaper changing to activities to do with kids of various ages.

 

“We’ve also talked a little about babysitting as a business – things they need to know when they get a phone call from a parent about babysitting, how much they need to charge and things like that,” Kerr said. “We’ve also talked about making sure the babysitter is safe when she goes to someone else’s house.”

 

The course follows guidelines provided by the Safe Sitter organization and includes much instruction, but participants have had plenty of opportunity to voice input and inquiries.

 

“We’ve played some games, which helps them open up and ask questions,” Kerr said.

 

The curriculum also includes some very clever visual aids, helping students get a better grasp of how the lungs and other organs work, Hart said.

 

The class has been ongoing from 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. It will end with a test, accompanied by conversation about the day’s instruction.

 

Kerr and Hart hope those who participated in today’s activities will leave with increased knowledge and confidence about their babysitting abilities.

 

“They won’t be certified in CPR, but they definitely got the basics and if it’s something they want to pursue and become certified, we would be more than happy to help them out,” Kerr said.

 

She was very pleased with the turnout.

 

“It was really more than I had anticipated. I didn’t know what to expect the first time,” she said. “We’ll definitely be offering it again.”

 

For more information, contact Kerr at 304-842-8233 or visit www.safesitter.org.