Red Cross baby sitter training goes to college

NEWTON - The Baby Sitter Training Course taught by the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross is going to college this fall, as part of a collaboration between the Chapter and Sussex County Community College (SCCC) which, for the first time, is adding the course to its Corporate & Community Education curriculum brochure for the Fall 2006 semester. “The American Red Cross Baby Sitter Training course has become one of the most popular courses we teach at the Sussex County Chapter, and it represents the “gold standard” in baby sitter training nationally. Our graduates know they can market themselves better to their communities with it, and command top dollar when it comes to earning baby sitting money,” notes Ron Marin, the Chapter’s Director of Programming and Services. “When SCCC contacted us about working with them to offer the course this fall, we were excited and thrilled to cooperate in an effort which will bring the course to a wider audience and further establish its credibility,” Marin said. According to Jacki Teune of SCCC, baby sitter training classes are being taught at increasing numbers of community colleges around the nation and SCCC decided it was time to bring such training to the County College. “The American Red Cross course was the obvious choice,” according to the college. SCCC’s Baby Sitter Training Course will be taught in three sessions beginning Wednesday, September 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., and continuing October 4, and October 11 at the same times. The class, listed in the fall catalog as LLL286-41, will be taught by Red Cross Chapter volunteer Sherry Clain. Clain chairs the Chapter’s Disaster Services and is a long-time Baby Sitter Training Instructor. A repeat of the course (LLL286-42) will take place November 29, December 6, and December 13 again on Wednesdays and also from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuition is $75 for each three-session course. “Students,” she noted, “must attend all three sessions and pass a test to receive a passing grade and certification.” The course provides individuals with the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children and infants in the absence of parents or adult guardians. Baby Sitter training helps participants develop skills in leadership and professionalism; basic care; safety, safe play; and first aid. For more information, call 973-579-1600 (ext. 13).