Local kids graduate from Safe Sitter course

Ten local youngsters recently completed a Safe Sitter course hosted by Shoshone Medical Center.

Safe Sitter classes are taught across the nation for kids in grades six through eight, who are ready for the responsibility of taking care of other younger children.

Each course teaches a variety of skills, including a variety of safety skills for every situation from indoors and outdoors, online, personal safety and how to handle emergencies.

The classes also teach basic child care skills, as well as first aid and rescue skills.

Students are also given tips for preparing meals while they baby-sit and a myriad of ideas for how to entertain their charges based upon the ages of the children they are working with.

Emilee Kulin is a parent of one of the class’s graduates and she has already seen the benefits of the class.

“Kelty (Kulin’s daughter) loved the class,” Kulin said. “It was super valuable for us because it teaches them safety and responsibility, as well as sets them up for success as baby sitters. The class made her 100 percent more confident in how she interacts with younger kids.”

Safe Sitter also teaches young teens life and business skills, so that they know how to be prepared, be responsible and be considerate whether they are baby-sitting or doing odd jobs for family, friends or neighbors.

The class is set up by grade, but for the most part, the youngest kids in the class are around 11 years old. Getting them familiar with these safety tips as early as possible could be a useful tool in the event of an emergency.

“When it comes to learning these safety training tips, the younger the better,” Kulin said. “I would absolutely recommend this class for anyone with a child around 10-11 years old.”

For more information on the next Safe Sitter class, contact instructor Jessica Towne at 208-784-1221.