Safe Sitter Program Provides Area Youth with Lifesaving and Confidence Building Skills

Empowering the community's youth, Florida Hospital Waterman will host their annual Safe Sitter classes June 18 and June 19. Nationally approved and recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Safe Sitter course is designed to teach boys and girls ages 11 through 13 to confidently and safely care for themselves and younger children when unsupervised. Six Safe Sitter certified instructors will lead the one- day programs. Students participating in the program will not only learn how to administer first aid, choking child rescue and CPR, but how to manage their own babysitting business as well.

As a new mother and Manager of Education at Florida, Hospital Waterman, Jen Yaden, MSN-Ed states, The skills learned in this program are a true asset to our community's youth. After participating in Safe Sitter, students feel more confident caring for younger children and parents can rest at ease knowing their teens are prepared to handle emergencies.

The Safe Sitter program will be held June 18 and June 19 from 8 am to 4 pm graduation ceremony open to family and friends will conclude each of the one-day sessions. Program tuition is $50 per student, which includes snacks, CPR certification card, a Safe Sitter backpack, and other course-related materials.

Seeing the proud look on parents faces during the graduation ceremony is my favorite part of hosting Safe Sitter, said Debra Dudley, RN Certified Diabetes Educator BS, Florida Hospital Waterman. Parents know their kids have worked hard and will reap the benefits for years to come.

Space is limited and registration is required. Contact the Florida Hospital Waterman Education Department at Call352-253-3391 to register.