Babysitting Basics

This is course designed for ages 11 to 14 to teach babysitting, leadership and first aid skills in a fun and informative way.

For a limited time, the library is offering a free subsidized babysitting course in partnership with St. John’s Ambulance.

Parents want to know that they are leaving their children in the care of babysitters who understand the needs of their children, and who can look after them confidently and competently, especially in emergencies. Babysitting is a job with significant responsibility and the Babysitting Basics course helps prospective babysitters learn the skills they need.

It teaches the new babysitter the necessary skills to provide care to children in a variety of situations. The course emphasizes safety rules, responding to emergencies, and developing leadership skills.

This course is for youth aged 11 to 14 years old. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult who remains in the Library for the duration of the session.

This is a registered program. Attendance will be taken at 9:15 AM, and registered seats will be held for 15 minutes until 9:30 AM. After that, drop-in participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, as space permits. Limited seats are available.

Course Content

• Becoming a babysitter
• Basic first aid
• Healthy meals
• Safe play
• Changing diapers
• Bedtime routines
• Handling emergencies
  

Participants will also learn skills for making correct decisions when dealing with behaviour, caring for a sick child, and what to ask before caring for a child with disabilities.

Please Note

Each student should bring a doll or stuffed animal with limbs for the practical exercises, as well as a pen or pencil for the test. We also ask that participants bring a peanut-free lunch.

Digital certificates will be sent to parents after the course. Parents will be asked to provide the instructor with their child’s legal name and a preferred contact email at the beginning or end of the session.