CHESTERTOWN — University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System, is hosting a Safe Sitter® course at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Taught by UM Shore Regional Health Women and Children’s Department nurses, the course is designed for youth ages 11 to 13.
The aim is to prepare students to be safe when they are home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting other children.
The instructor-led class is taught using games and role-playing exercises so that students can practice rescue skills.
Participants in the program also can expect to learn safety skills, including how to prevent unsafe situations and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies; child care skills, such as tips to manage behavior that will help sitters stay in control of themselves and the children in their care; first aid and rescue skills, including CPR and choking rescue; and life and business skills to help sitters screen potential childcare jobs, discuss fees and greet employers.
Safe Sitter® is a nationally recognized, nurse-led program that empowers pre-teens with essential, real-life skills — through interactive lessons, hands-on practice and age-appropriate activities.
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is located at 100 Brown St.
The cost is $50, which includes a Safe Sitter® kit.
Students should bring a lunch on the day of the program.
A Safe Sitter® course also will be offered Saturday, June 20 from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, 219 S. Washington St.
To register, email Gladys.Peeples@umm.edu.
Early registration is encouraged, as class size is limited.
For questions, call Stephanie Blades at 410-822-1000, ext. 5234.