The holiday hustle is underway and analysts projections are this season will be busier than most. No one feels the pinch from shopping, parties and preparation more than moms and dads. That’s why the Clarksville-Montgomery Red Cross encourages families and caretakers to look for trained and certified babysitters for their childcare needs.
Whether it’s shopping for presents or the office holiday party, the demand for babysitters is sure to increase. But in order to feel more relaxed and secure, parents and caregivers need to have a sitter they know has been trained in how to care for the safety and well-being of their child.
Each year, the Red Cross trains and certifies over 120,000 sitters nationwide through the Babysitter’s Training program. Course participants learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed; monitor safe play and actively engage your child; and some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.
“Even if you only need someone to watch the children while you put up decorations or prepare a meal – you want peace of mind that your little ones are in capable hands. You should never just grab the first available person,” says Patricia Brown, Health and Safety Director. “If you don’t have a Red Cross trained babysitter near you and the office party is coming up or if you’re current sitter isn’t certified, make an early gift to a youth you trust by giving them a certificate to the next Babysitter’s Training class. It’s one gift that will give back to you over and again.”
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Chapter Babysitter’s Training program is open to girls and boys 11 to 15 yrs. old and in many cases can be completed in a day. All courses are taught by an authorized Red Cross Babysitter’s Training instructor.
There’s no better way to relax and enjoy all the season’s festivities than knowing your children are in the care of a sitter trained by the foremost authority in safety, the American Red Cross.
For information on how to purchase Babysitter’s Training gift certificates or times and locations of upcoming classes, contact the Clarksville-Montgomery County Chapter at 931-645-6401 or log on to www.clarksville.redcross.org.
