Northern Nevada Chapter American Red Cross

2009-09-29 - Red Cross trains babysitters with grant funding

Thanks to a grant from the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, the Northern Nevada Chapter, American Red Cross was able to train 40 youth at the Boys and Girls Club to become Red Cross Babysitters. The program - which ran from February to August 2009 and was free of charge - equipped the youth with skills that allow them to respond to emergencies and care for both children and infants.

According to the January 22, 2001 Social Entrepreneurs, Inc. "Bridges to a Healthier Community" survey, 39 percent of North Lake Tahoe families reported that there was a "very large problem" in finding access to affordable child care. What's more, over 59 percent of these families have children younger than 5 years old. Considering that accidents and injury are a leading cause of death among young children, a community that lacks qualified babysitters is at immediate risk for emergencies involving kids.

The creation of this program - which involved collaboration between the American Red Cross and the Boys and Girls Club and was made possible by a grant from the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation - has helped to combat these staggering numbers by providing local youth with invaluable lifesaving skills.

Over the course of four training sessions, the teens, aged 11-17, gained proficiency in leadership, professionalism, basic care, safe play, first aid and CPR. They were taught to maintain a safe home environment, respond calmly to emergencies, and act in a responsible and effective manner. Additionally, they learned how to build resumes and exercise respectable business practices. Don't be surprised if your next babysitter arrives toting a stylish resume or businesscard in hand - they may, in fact, have been recently trained by the American Red Cross.

Parents wanting to find a Red Cross trained babysitter can visit the Kings Beach Boys and Girls Club located at 8125 Steelhead Ave., where the resumes of children who completed the training course are kept on hand and are available for viewing.