Limited space is still available in the two-day, baby-sitting education classes offered by The Beebe School of Nursing. The classes, open to girls and boys ages 12 and 13, are scheduled for June 19 & 20, June 22 & 23, June 26 & 27 and June 29 & 30. They will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"We've offered these for several years now and have had very positive feedback, says Susanne Hagan, Coordinator of the Baby-sitter education classes.

Their prime focus is on the safety of the child, and how the baby sitter can make sure that the child is protected when the parents are not at home.

Program instructors include registered nurses, a Delaware State policeman, and an instructor from the state fire school. The curriculum includes discussions qualities of a good sitter; child development and age-appropriate activities; safe home practices for fire and protection; first-aid practices for minor and medical problems; and infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway obstruction management. Students will get hands-on practice in First Aid and CPR.

Feedback from past years reveals that those who have attended the course have cited how important it is to constantly keep an eye on a child. "Often, without formal instruction, a young baby-sitter will not realize the importance of watching a toddler, or how quickly a toddler can get into trouble," says Tracy Bell, RN/School of Nursing instructor. "The idea is to prevent accidents before they happen."

Students from previous years also commented that they were glad to learn how to do CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver. One student wrote in her class evaluation: "I enjoyed CPR training the most because I feel every person should be able to live and with CPR training I can help save someone's life."

Classes will be take place at Beebe School of Nursing, located directly behind Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. The cost is $30 per student. Participants should bring a bag lunch both days. Sodas and snacks will be provided. For more information, or to obtain a registration form, call the Beebe School of Nursing at 645-3251.

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve.