Babysitting

*** VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE***

The Red Cross Babysitting course offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old.Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.

Prerequisite: Minimum 11 years of age (or completion of grade 5)

Topics Include:

  • How to be responsible and demonstrate leadership

  • How to make good decisions and manage difficult behaviours

  • Information on children’s developmental stages, and specific strategies for each stage

  • How to feed, diaper, dress, and play with children and babies

  • How to recognize and prevent unsafe situations, make safe choices and promote safe behaviours

  • First aid skills

  • The business of babysitting

Stay Safe!

The Red Cross Stay Safe! course offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.

Prerequisite: Minimum 9 years of age (or completion of grade 3)

Topics Include:

  • The importance of responsibility and respect while being accountable for yourself

  • The importance of setting and following safety rules when on your own

  • How to stay safe at home and within the community

  • How to prepare for, recognize and respond to unexpected situations (e.g., inclement weather, strangers, and unanticipated visits)

  • Basic first aid skills