Tweens can learn health and safety skills for baby-sitting

Keeping kids safe is a goal we can all agree on, and the Junior League of New Orleans is front and center, offering a series of classes designed to do just that.

The Safe Sitter classes, for boys and girls ages 11 to 13, include training for babysitting gigs in the community as well as for watching younger siblings and being home alone.

Students learn lifesaving skills, such as how to rescue someone who is choking, and helpful information like what to do if severe weather occurs. The lessons are filled with activities and role-playing exercises, including using a mannequin to practice CPR and choking rescue.

The curriculum, which is medically accurate and developmentally appropriate, includes:

  • Basic lifesaving techniques for choking and first aid: Learning skills such as choking rescue and CPR is often students’ favorite part of the class. Students also learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses.
  • Tips on basic child care: Students learn to manage behavior that will help them stay in control of themselves and the children in their care. Students also learn the ages and stages of child development, as well as practice diapering.
  • Safety precautions to prevent accidents
  • How and when to summon help
  • Introductory employment skills: The ability to screen jobs, discuss fees, and greet employers will set students up for success. They practice these skills through role playing.

Safe Sitter is a national program that has been used for more than 40 years. JLNO is part of a nationwide network of more than 3,000 certified instructors across the country.

Classes will begin at 9:45 and end at 4 p.m. at JLNO headquarters at 4319 Carondelet St. in New Orleans. Only one daylong class is required for certification.

The full list of available dates is July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and Aug. 3 and 4.

Advance registration is required. Cost is $80. To learn more or register visit www.jlno.org/safesitter.

For information on other Safe Sitter classes in the area, go to safesitter.org/find-a-class 

BACK TO SCHOOL BOOGALOO: The health, wellness and resource fair will be July 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Joe W. Brown Park, Recreation Center, 5601 Read Blvd. in New Orleans. It will focus on educating families about resources for children before school starts. Families will have access to free vaccinations, sports physicals and primary care and dental resources. Children can receive free haircuts and school supplies. www.chnola.org/schoolsupplies

FREE MOVIES: Movies inspired by books will be shown on Saturdays in July at the Garden District Book Shop in The Rink, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. The movie begins at 4:30 p.m. The movie for July 13 is “Howl’s Moving Castle”; July 20 is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”; and July 27 is “Homeward Bound.”