Babysitting classes to begin

TORRINGTON — Torrington Parks and Recreation Department is holding two babysitting classes in October. Both classes will be held Oct. 20 at the recreation office.

Babysitter Safety 101 runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This class is for future babysitters, ages 10-15, and will be held at the Torrington Armory. Instructed by Life Safe Services, this course will enable 10-15 year olds 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 babysitting, mother’s helper and individual babysitting 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, interview skills and many more topics.

Babysitter Safety 102 runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This course is designed for the older sitter, 12 to 16+ years of age that has previously attended an introductory class with a sincere 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, Adult/Child and Infant CPR. Requires written and skills testing to receive 2 year certification. Prerequisite: Must have taken Babysitter 101 or 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 located at 153 South Main Street. Call 860489-2274 for more information.