Tips From Instructors

"I noticed the students exchanging websites rather than telephone numbers in one of our classes, so I now tell the students to not advertise on the Internet just as they shouldn't advertise on bulletin boards."
Crawfordsville, IN

"At the end of Preventing Problem Behavior, the students break up into groups and act out one of the scenarios on their student card and practice using one of the magic tricks. They are very creative!"
Oak Ridge, TN

"We bought 5 small stuffed rabbits (5 different colors) and a real magician's hat. The students pull a stuffed rabbit out of the hat and check the color of their rabbit to a matching paper rabbit taped on the wall. The paper rabbits have the definitions printed of the five magic tricks used to prevent problem behavior and the students read the definitions. They really enjoy pulling the rabbits out of the hat!"
Florence, SC

"Using black foam board, I cut a large black hat and decorated it with silver sequins for our magician's hat. The students really enjoy it!"
Pinehurst, NC

"During the Ceremony, each student shakes our hand using a proper handshake, with good eye contact, to demonstrate one of the business skills they have learned in front of their parents, siblings, etc. We do it when we call them up to receive their completion card and button at the end. This allows us to take the opportunity to review the importance of a good first impression when meeting the employer for the first time."
Asheboro, NC

"When the guests arrive for the Ceremony, the students greet them using good eye contact while shaking their hands. It's great practice and the guests love it!"
Oak Ridge, TN

"Our goal is to have every student participate in the Ceremony. Students, who are not reading their essays or demonstrating one of the rescue skills, choose one of the poster-size visuals and explain it. They can explain the visual in pairs or by themselves. This way, each parent gets the opportunity to see their child shine!"
Tupelo, MS

"We really let the students shine at the Ceremony! We break them up into groups of 3 or 4 students and ask them to present a component of the class. Some make posters while others put on short skits. The kids get to show off their new knowledge and the visual learning and creativity enhances their retention. All of the students are involved so no parent feels his/her child is left out. The parents love it when the students are presenting. The kids enjoy it - they do a great job!"
Liberty, MO

"We display posters with babysitting themes from previous classes. They visually reinforce concepts we are teaching and many times the artists are friends or relatives of current students!

We are known for our fun classes - with lots of input from the students. They even decide which class day to have our 'famous pizza party'.

Our Ceremony is very interactive. The students, in small groups, perform skits for their parents. They present their idea and it must relate to the curriculum. We also have a Q & A session for the parents. It's a very positive experience!"
Huntsville, AL

"We use a digital camera to capture special moments during our classes - students getting hands-on experience, Instructors interacting with the students, students hard at work during testing, etc. We project these pictures in a slide show before and during the Ceremony to give the parents an idea of some of the fun and hard work their children experienced. The kids also love seeing themselves in our graduation 'show'."
Cottonwood, AZ

"We discuss the upcoming guest: (e.g., characteristics of his/her particular age, etc.) during Child Care Essentials."
Canonsburg, PA

"We borrow anatomically-correct dolls from our Child Life Department to help us during the diaper changing practice. We also have dolls, diapers, and bottles for each student to increase their opportunity to learn nurturing skills and increase the amount of hands-on time."
Houston, TX

"We put a "Small Parts Test Fixture" (a clear plastic cylinder), which is used to show that toys that fit in the tube present a danger of choking, in the diaper bag with our class supplies. We demonstrate with small toys that are dangerous and larger toys that won't fit in the cylinder (not a danger for choking), when we discuss the concept that toys should be at least as big as the infant's fist."
Indianapolis, IN

"We use a speaker phone at the table. One Instructor goes to another room and uses the phone system to talk on the speaker phone. The Instructor pretends to be the EMS dispatcher, the parents, or a neighbor. The students hear the conversation but do not see the Instructor on the other phone. It makes role-playing the telephone calls more realistic."
Houston, TX

"In addition to receiving financial assistance from United Way, each month Wal-Mart gives us a card, valued at $25, for student class supplies. We give a $10 coupon - good at any store in our community - to our guest, which is an incentive in recruiting guests."
New London, WI

"Prior to each class, I laminate each student's First Aid Chart so they will be more durable and easier to read when they take them on babysitting jobs."
Rocky Mount, NC

"The Rutland Kiwanis Club purchased an interactive 911 simulator device for our Home Alone program and now we also use it in our Safe Sitter® classes. The students use it to practice making calls to 911 during class and demonstrate it to their parents during the Ceremony. The display is large enough and loud enough for the entire class to see and hear. It is more realistic than role-playing using a telephone and they love it!"
Rutland, VT

We teach Safe Sitter® Basic but several of our Instructors are American Heart Association (AHA) CPR Instructors so we always encouraged our graduates - and their parents - to return to the hospital to take CPR. When the kids did not want to take CPR with adults, we offered a CPR class (AHA Heartsaver AED) for our Safe Sitter® graduates. During the Ceremony, they receive a coupon to discount the cost of the CPR class. The response has been tremendous!"
Leonardtown, MD

"I put each student's Manual and name tag in a plastic hospital logo bag. Then I instruct the students to place their manikin face pieces in the bag when they are not being used. The bags keep the students' things together and eliminate the possibility of the manikin's face pieces being confused from one day to the next."
Indianapolis, IN

"We teach the students to 'Stop-Think-Remember Your Skill Rule' when teaching rescue skills. It helps them to calm down and focus on what they need to do if there's an emergency. One of our graduates last year saved his friend who was choking. He told me that he remembered this rule during the incident and it really helped him."
Madras, OR

"When teaching choking procedures, have the students blow into their closed fist. This illustrates what it feels like to blow against an obstructed airway."
Indianapolis, IN

"When teaching choking child rescue, I have the students sit in a circle on the floor for the demonstration and practice. It is easier and more realistic to have the students practice with the manikin 'standing up' since most toddlers and preschoolers would be too big for their laps. It is easier for the Instructors and the other students to observe technique as well."
Paterson, NJ

"When teaching choking infant rescue, I have the students put their chairs in a circle to practice. It makes it easier to demonstrate and reinforce the leg ramp."
Milton, WA

"I used the water bottle with paper 'plug' when teaching Choking Infant Rescue to explain the importance of keeping the infant's head lower than the body during obstructed airway management. After placing a loosely wadded paper plug in the straw (napkin works best), tap the side of the bottle and the piece of napkin goes down the straw into the bottle. Then turn the bottle upside down, and tap the bottle again, and the napkin comes out. The students understand why it's important to keep the head down so any foreign object would come out when doing the back blows and chest thrusts."
Miami, FL

"We use as many concrete props as we can. During the practice for greeting skills, we use large stuffed dolls to represent children the sitters greet. We've made posters from magazine pictures of people dressed appropriately and inappropriately for babysitting."
New Orleans, LA

"On the test, we added alphabet letters to the choices for question #34 and inserted the tests in page protectors in folders. This makes it possible for the students to write their answers on a separate answer sheet. We also created a corresponding answer key. This system makes grading the tests much faster, which is especially important in Safe Sitter® Basic, the one-day class. We only print one page instead of four for each student, which saves printing, paper, and test assembly time. The students are familiar with this format from school and have found it easy to use."
Alexandria, LA

"We play a Safe Sitter® version of Jeopardy. We divide the group in half; each half chooses a spokesperson and team name. It not only serves as a review but encourages team work. Each team congratulates the other with enthusiasm."
Orlando, FL

"The key to successful testing of students is the number of Instructors on hand. For example, if you've had a class of 18 students with three Instructors, you need to have at least four or five Instructors for testing. The additional Instructors will help ease the "rushed" feeling you may experience trying to get testing completed before the graduation ceremony is supposed to start. Additional Instructors will help everyone end on a positive note and they will be eager to sign up to teach another class! "
Indianapolis, IN

"During the Review, we encourage the students to put a dot on their cards next to the content (which are also test questions) and we point out where the answers can be found in the Manual. This helps them learn how to use their Manual as a resource for the test and when babysitting"
Ft. Myers, FL

"When asking the Review Questions, I ask the students where they would find the information in their Manuals for each question. This reinforces the use of their Student Manuals as a reference."
Indianapolis, IN

"A fun way to 'sweeten up' the review with the students is to toss Safe Sitter® LifeSavers® to each student as he/she correctly answers your questions. Make sure no one answers more than one question until everyone gets a package."
Indianapolis, IN

"I just taught the 12 ½-hour program at my church and all eight of the students knew each other well. So, I used one of our previous teaching tips and customized it for this group of young people. During the Welcome/Introductions, I made a "mixer" game for the students to play instead of the introducing each other to the group. They had to ask each other a question (for example, find someone who plays the guitar, find someone who has changed a dirty diaper, etc.) and fill in a square on the paper. I used what I knew about the students to make the game and I played as well. They had to move around the room to find a different name for each square. The first person to have every square filled in with a name won a prize! It helped them learn new things about each other and they had lots of fun!
Indianapolis, IN

"Since we sometimes have a hard time reading the students' name tags, we created table tents. Using an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper, we can make two name tents. They are 4 ½ x 5 ½ and we put the Safe Sitter® logo on the side facing the student and print their names on the other side (the side facing out so others can read it). We put a dashed line about an inch from the bottom on both sides. The students fold the table tents in half at the top and then fold the bottom edges along the dotted lines toward each other. Taping the bottom edges together makes the table tents stand upright. The students take them with them to each rotation."
Manchester, NH

"We developed a mixer game to help the students get to know each other while waiting for class to start. Each student gets a paper with squares on it saying things such as, 'Has a younger brother they babysit,' or 'Knows how to change a diaper,' etc. The students have to move around the room to find a different name for each square. The first person to have every square filled in before the bell ring wins! It's a lot of fun!"
Cut Off, LA

"After discussing the Student Contract during the Welcome, I invite additional ground rules from the students. It helps them take ownership of the ground rules."
Middletown, CT

"We had the ground rules blown up to poster size and posted in the room. It makes it easy to review them each day."
Muncie, IN

"A local day care lets us use their facility in the evening for our Safe Sitter® classes. It allows us to show them lots of safe and age-appropriate toys. And the students get to practice with real cribs, high chairs, and diaper changing tables. It's fun and very practical!"
Lewiston, ME

"We received grant money from the Paterson Educational Partnership for the 21st Century Community Learning Center to teach Safe Sitter® to 208 students as part of an after-school program in two public schools. The schools are located in a low-income area.

We also used grant money from the Turrell Fund of Montclair to teach Safe Sitter® at two libraries. The grant money paid for the Instructors and the library provided the space and a snack."
Paterson, NJ

"We've found it very helpful to recruit school nurses as Instructors. They are off work when the students are off school and appreciate the extra money to teach."
Muncie, IN

"If you have potential Instructors, invite them to a class so they can have a 'taste' of how the program works!"
Newport, RI

"We have a co-sponsor, Success By 6, a United Way program that helps us financially. The program encourages reading for children six years old and younger. Their financial assistance helps us advertise our Safe Sitter® classes. Success By 6 also gives two children's books to each graduating student - one book for a preschooler and one for a school age child."
Anderson, SC

"We applied for a grant and received funding through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Community-Based Initiatives Program. The money will be used to purchase Student Manuals and Important Number Pads. We're recruiting students by sending a flier to the four surrounding counties. We've also recruited Instructors with the same flier. I am excited about this because we can train at least 200 students for free!"
Morgantown, WV

"I added a blank for an email address on the Registration Form. I take digital photos of each student throughout the course and a group photo at the end of class. Then I email the photos along with a thank-you note for attending the class and a reminder about Safe Sitter's website."

I've also enlarged all the visuals to poster size and laminated them. I hang them up in the classroom which makes it easy for the students to refer to them as needed."
Rochester, MN

"One of our local doctors provides lunch (usually pizza) for the students on a continual basis to show support for our Safe Sitter® program. She thinks Safe Sitter® is a wonderful program and only uses Safe Sitter® graduates for her two small children."
Ottawa, KS

"We walk to the nursery and view the babies as a welcome diversion during lunch. Along with the Guest, it gives us the opportunity to stress how much care and time is involved in caring for an infant.

"We also take walks through the hospital's labyrinth. The students come back refreshed and ready to learn."
Shelby, NC

"I play games, such as Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, Simon Says, Silly Willy or Bingo Was His Name, with the students between the rotations to get them physically active. The games are brief and the kids always have fun."
Greenfield, IN

"At the end of each module, I toss a beach ball to a student saying, 'Tell me something you learned that you did not know before. They have to answer as they catch the ball and then ask the question aloud again and toss the ball to another student and so on."
Oak Ridge, TN

"I try to encourage parental involvement as much as possible. During class, I encourage the students to share their Student Manual with their parents. Then during the Ceremony, I encourage the parents to read it."
Leonardtown, MD

"We have a large education room where we teach Safe Sitter®. We set up a U-shape for all of the large group modules, but have plenty of room to have 3 smaller groups set up for the rotating modules. The room allows the 3 smaller groups to be far enough away from each other that there is minimum distraction between the groups. I think this helps with concentration and learning. We usually have one class in the spring and then several throughout the summer on weekdays which gives the students in our area a very meaningful activity over their summer vacation."
Lake Charles, LA

"We routinely play games outside during lunch break when it's nice weather. We've also taken the students on a walk to see babies in the nursery as a break-time activity."
Lake Forest, IL

"We've been providing pizza for lunch. We buy it from outside the hospital using special deals from local pizza restaurants."

"Our hospital has an Access Center which fields all calls or requests in navigating through the system. They are also the registration center for all classes and events. Parents wanting to register a student call the Access Center. The Access Center takes all the information, takes payment for the class, and then sends out a confirmation letter with the information pertinent to the class, including information on merchandise for sale, etc. After working closely with the Access Center for several years, I've found them to be indispensable. Families can also register for Safe Sitter® classes online and pay by credit card."
Absecon, NJ

"For 2 years, one of our local schools has invited us to participate in their 'Mini-Mester' program for their 6th graders. The students pick from various programs including Backyard Mechanic where they go to an auto shop and learn how to change tires, check oil and water, change oil, etc.; Cooking where they go to a local restaurant and learn to cook; and Safe Sitter® Basic! The 'Mini-Mester' program is held on 3 consecutive Wednesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The PTO pays for the students to receive the Safe Sitter® kit and our hospital donates the time of the Instructors. It has proven to be a wonderful relationship between the school and our hospital - it's the only program we teach off-site of the hospital. And the kids all want to take the class!"
Melbourne, FL

"When advertising our regularly scheduled classes in our YMCA program brochure, I also include a 'Create Your Own Safe Sitter® Class' section. I offer to create a class if an organization can come up with 6-8 participants and the date, class times, and location can be designed to fit the schedule of their group. We'll go out to a school, church, dance studio, scout troop, etc., or arrange a class at the Y for a specific group. Then I give them my contact information."
Indianapolis, IN

"We copy the Registration Form on one side of paper and the Student Contract on the other side when sending them to potential students. This helps to make sure that we always get both forms back. Also, since our classes are typically close together, we color-code the forms to make them easier to sort."
Greensburg, IN

"We've put Safe Sitter's website on the Registration Form. This gives the parents and students an opportunity to link with Safe Sitter® even before the class!"
Newport, RI

"Whenever anyone calls our hospital about Safe Sitter®, I always refer them to Safe Sitter's website."
Newport, RI

"To recruit students, out graduates staff a booth at health fairs (along with an Instructor) and show their Manuals, provide demonstrations, and answer questions. In our support group for moms of newborns and toddlers, we tell the moms about Safe Sitter® to encourage them to send their babysitters to class. We're having a display at our new Maternity Center. All our classes fill quickly!"
Reston, VA

"We taught Safe Sitter® to a Girl Scout troop at their scheduled weekly meeting for five weeks. They not only received a Safe Sitter® Completion Card, but earned their Child Care badge as well!"
Wichita Falls, TX

"I place one of my business cards in each Manual where the card cuts are. I mention they have my card if they'd like to recommend the class to a friend or if they do something worthy of being nominated Safe Sitter® of the Year. I point out their Completion Card can be placed on top of my card."
Indianapolis, IN

"We use moving signs outside of our hospital to advertise our student classes. The sign lists: the telephone number to call for information, pre-registration is required, class fee, and class dates."
Broken Arrow, OK

"When we are teaching off-site (usually in a school), the school recruits the students and collects the Registration Forms and fees. Then we just have to go in and teach!"
Newport, RI

"We have a Safe Sitter® booth at a health fair where we hold a raffle, with the proceeds providing Safe Sitter® scholarships."
Bonners Ferry, ID

"After losing several Instructors, we recruited hospital volunteers from our auxiliary to become Safe Sitter® Instructors. They are wonderful Instructors and now volunteer to teach Safe Sitter® in addition to their other responsibilities."
Independence, KS

"We put a coupon for one free Safe Sitter® course in the Welcome Wagon magazine that goes to all new residents of our county."
Fort Wayne, IN

"To promote our summer classes, we used the theme "Learning Can Be Fun If You Learn With A Friend" and reduced the class fee by $10. The promotion has resulted in many students signing up in pairs. These young adolescents will be ready for the babysitting jobs this summer!
Milwaukee, WI

"On our anniversary of becoming a site, we held a Safe Sitter® birthday party. It was open to the community, used to recruit new students, as a refresher for graduates, and to honor our financial supporter. We had crafts, refreshments, and a slide presentation."
York, PA

"To promote safe babysitting to boys, we held an all-boy Safe Sitter® class. I went to a local Junior High School to promote Safe Sitter® and several boys expressed interest, but wanted to take a class without girls. We advertised the all-boy class in the newspaper and had a fun class!"
Monticello, IN

"Our hospital has a home page on the Internet through America Online which includes Safe Sitter® information. We display the Safe Sitter® logo and the computer user can click on and go to a page about our local Safe Sitter® program."
Supply, NC

"We offered a free, hour-long introduction to the Safe Sitter® course in the evenings for interested parents and young adolescents. This gave them the opportunity to learn about the program and to ask questions. Most of them signed up for classes!"
South Deerfield, MA

"We put the information about our upcoming classes on the check stubs of paychecks for all Duke University employees. We have filled several classes with no outside advertising whatsoever."
Durham, NC

"We offer a drawing for a free Safe Sitter® class at health fairs. (Be sure to ask for the babysitter's age on the slips used in the drawing!)"
Fremont, MI