The University of Arkansas Community College in Hope can help you be a safe baby sitter.

Looking to make a few extra dollars babysitting?  The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope has recently become a registered SAFE SITTER Teaching Site and now offers the comprehensive babysitting training program for young adolescents (11 years of age and up).  This new program in Hope, Arkansas has over 650,000 graduates from hundreds of cities across this country.  Graduates are able to handle emergencies when caring for younger children and are equally equipped with the tools needed to stay home alone safely.
 
Injuries are the leading cause of death in children up to age 5.  Safe Sitter is a well-rounded youth development program with medical basis that aims to reduce the number of avoidable and unintended deaths among children being cared for by young teen babysitters.  The program follows American Heart Association standards for rescue skills as well as instruction in first aid techniques from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 
 
The nationally-recognized program was developed by Indianapolis pediatrician Dr.  Patricia Keener after a colleague’s toddler choked to death while in the care of an adult sitter who didn’t know what actions to take. Students who complete the Safe Sitter program gain confidence and learn how, why, and where injuries can happen so they can be prevented.  They are taught infant and child choking rescue.  They also learn how a child’s age affects how to care for them, how to prevent problem behavior, how to run their own babysitting business as well as issues of online and cellphone safety. 
 
To graduate from the Safe Sitter course and receive a completion card, students must pass a rigorous practical and written test that indicates their mastery of key concepts and life and safety skills.  UACCH is the sole regional provider for this nationally-recognized program.  Registration is currently underway for the August 1 class.  Classes will continue to be scheduled as needed.  A class will also be provided for expectant first time parents.  Tuition for the class is $50 with a limited number of partial scholarships available. 
 
For more information about the Safe Sitter Classes at UACCH, contact Nancy Kenworthy at 870-722-8102

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