Babysitting Basics course teaches youth responsibility

A Babysitting Basics Training Course was offered by Washington County Extension and Outreach the week of Aug. 1-5 to help youth become responsible babysitters.

Special guests filled the week with their expertise. On the first day police officer Goodman discussed home safety and what to do in an emergency. Firefighter Joey Wallace discussed fire safety and gave each youth the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher. On the second day Kaitlyn Love with her infant son Isaac came and demonstrated providing for infants. On the third day Megan Eaton, Amy Green, and Erin Thorius talked with the class about toddler care while their children Stella, Adrian and Jayse entertained the babysitters-in-training with their toddler play and skills. On the fourth day, Roberta Sloate of Washington Public Health discussed ages and stages of young children, safety, age-appropriate toys and activities, and physical, mental, social and emotional aspects of child development.

The final day and course graduation was celebrated with Washington County Ambulance staff guided first-aid training and demonstrated what to do in cases of an emergency. Miranda Romoser, a graduate of the class and current babysitter, spoke on her babysitting experiences. Class members were able to ask questions and gain insight to becoming a babysitter.

Each Babysitting Basics Course graduate received a bag of goodies to start their own babysitting adventures including basic first-aid kit, playdough, crayons, books and notepads.

Twenty-five students completed 10 hours of training sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County. This course is traditionally offered twice each summer. Contact the Washington County Extension Office for more information on youth programs at 319-653-4811.