Babysitting Basics Course starts with a spark

The Washington County Extension Babysitting Basics Training Course started with a spark on Monday, June 13. The goal of Babysitting Basics is to help youth become responsible babysitters.

Special guests filled the day with their expertise. Washington Firefighter, Joey Wallace, discussed fire safety and gave each youth the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher. Day Camp Coordinator, Nicole Stoutner, focused on the business side of babysitting — looking at what it is parents expect from a babysitter. Other topics in this week’s agenda include infant care and the steps involved in providing for infants, toddler care, ages and stages of young children, safety and first aid, age-appropriate toys and activities, and physical, mental, social and emotional aspects of child development.

Twenty-three students completed and graduated Babysitting Basics Friday, June 17. The five day course was sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach-Washington County. This course is offered each year for youth who have completed 5th grade. A second course is being offered Aug. 1-5. Contact the Washington County Extension Office for more information at 319-653-4811.