Safe Sitter® Babysitting Training Program
Releasing New Curriculum for 2012

Updates Reflect Responsibilites of the Modern Babysitter

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -  Safe Sitter® will release a new curriculum in January 2012 that has been updated to follow the latest guidelines of the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Injuries are the leading cause of death in children up to age 5, so today's babysitters need to know more than just the basics of child care. 

Since young teens and their parents also have many competing interests , the new curriculum includes  a convenient "1-day with CPR & choking rescue" course option. The curriculum also covers the issue of technology and how it impacts sitter safety. Babysitters learn about making wise decisions when it comes to cell phone and Internet usage. 

They  practice different scenarios where a call to 9-1-1 is warranted, learn what information they'll need to make a successful call and how to talk to a 9-1-1 dispatcher.  There are more than 150 documented cases of lives saved by graduates of the program. 

"There's no doubt that today's babysitters have increased responsibility, " said Safe Sitter® Executive Director Sally Herrholz. "Because of that, Safe Sitter® is designed to be a well-rounded youth development program with a medical basis. It 's babysitting training and so much more." 

Instructors  who teach the program to 11- to 14-year olds provide instruction in life-saving techniques as well as personal safety, behavior management and businesss skills.  "It teaches serious life and business skills in a fun way, " Herrholz said. 

The curriculum's design has also been updated with a flair to appeal to today's young teens. Various materials, such as t-shirts and messenger bags, are available for purchase and have a hip, modern style. 

About Safe Sitter®:

Safe Sitter® is the only national not-for-profit solely devoted to babysitting training for young adolescents (no younger than 11). Founded in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1980 by Dr. Patricia A. Keener, a nationally recognized board certified pediatrician, Safe Sitter® has 800+ teaching sites across the United States.

For more information on Safe Sitter®, visit www.safesitter.org or call 800-255-4089. 

Media contact:
Jennifer Seward
infojennifer@safesitter.org ; phone: 800-255-4089 ext 19

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