Torrington Parks and Recreation offers babysitting classes

TORRINGTON — Torrington Parks and Recreation Department is offering two baby-sitting classes in May, Baby sitter Safety 101 on May 12 and Baby sitter Safety 102 on May 19.

Baby sitter Safety 101 runs from 1 to 4 p.m. This class is for future baby sitters, ages 10-15, and will take place at the Torrington Armory. Instructed by Life Safe Services, the course will enable baby sitters to safely watch over babies and younger children. This is an introductory course intended to teach age appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team baby-sitting, mother’s helper and individual baby-sitting concepts. The course focuses on safety with emphasis on prevention. Basic first aid and obstructed airway management for a conscious choking adult/child and infant will be covered. Other topics include hand washing, diapering, bottle feeding, personal safety and interview skills.

Baby sitter Safety 102 Class runs from 1 to 4 p.m. This course is designed for the older sitter, 12 to 16 or more years of age, who previously attended an introductory class with an interest in advanced concepts and skills of first aid, including CPR certification. Building on the basic skills from Babysitter Safety 101, objectives for this scenario-based, expanded course includes additional First Aid concepts and adult/child and infant CPR. It requires written and skills tests to receive two-year certification. Students must have taken Baby sitter 101 or a similar class.

A minimum of 10 participants is required to run each class and a maximum of 15 will be accepted. The fee for each class is $63. Register in advance at the Parks and Recreation Department, 153 S. Main St. Call 860-489-2274 for information.