Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Dallas County is partnership with four county towns to host two-day babysitting clinics for youth in grade 5 and higher. The workshops teach essential child care skills.
Topics addressed in the workshops include first aid, safety, essential information to gather from families, nutrition and age-appropriate toys and activities. Guest speakers include law enforcement officials to discuss handling an emergency and Dallas County EMTs, who will instruct the young babysitters in compression-only CPR and first aid.
Youth can choose from one of the four series being offered in June:
- Granger Community Center, 2200 Walnut St., on Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Price is $25, and registration can be completed through the Granger Park and Recreation website.
- Perry Town Craft Center, 1124 Willis, on Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Price is $20 and registrations are being taken through Dallas County Extension.
- Adel Public Library, 303 S. 10th St., on Monday, June 12 and Tuesday, June 13, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Price is $20 and registrations are being taken through Dallas County Extension.
- Van Meter Legion Hall, 910 Main St., on Monday, June 26 and Tuesday, June 27, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Price is $20 and registrations are being taken through Dallas County Extension.
“The number one thing we do in our babysitting clinics is prepare youth to handle situations that may arise while they are providing care for infants and young children,” said Lisa Mickelson, ISU Extension educator. “We give them the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure they are the best babysitters they can be.”
To register for the Perry, Adel or Van Meter series, contact Mickelson at Dallas County Extension, 515-993-4281 or lmickel@iastate.edu. For more information, visit the ISU Extension website.
