Child Safety Education Resources for Nannies and Babysitters

No one can be over prepared when it comes to caring for children.  In fact, studies show that the more prepared parents and caregivers are for medical emergencies, the better the final outcome.  To help give nannies the tools they need to educate themselves, we have compiled this list of very helpful resources for you!

There are many courses both online and offline that are designed for people who care for children.  These classes help sitters to make the best decisions possible to keep children safe, healthy and happy. 

CPR AND FIRST AID

 
It is recommended by the American Red Cross that anyone caring for infants and children take a CPR course at least every year.  While taking an online course in CPR will teach you the basic skills of CPR, taking an in person course will allow you the opportunity to ask the instructor questions and have a professional evaluate your technique.  There are some who say only offline CPR courses are truly legitimate and others who disagree.  If you are unsure what to do, the offline option might be the best choice.

The American Heart Association recently launched the CPR Anytime program that allows users to watch a 22 minute program in their own home while working on an inflatable mannequin and watching demonstrations on a video.  There is also an Infant CPR Anytime program for caregivers who want to train themselves in infant CPR.  According to the American Heart Association, these programs have proven to be just as effective as a live course at teaching basic CPR skills.

link: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3034347

The American Red Cross Blended Learning Program is another option for those who like the idea of taking a CPR and First Aid course online, but want the one on one instructor interaction. 

Link:

http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/resources/blendedlearning.html

 

HEIMLICH MANEUVER

Choking is a common emergency that caregivers can face.  So, it is best to be prepared in order to react with calmness and effectiveness in a choking scenario.  The American Heart Association has information about performing the Heimlich Maneuver as does the Heimlich Institute.  

Visit www.heimlichinstitute.org for information and illustrated instructions detailing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on infants, children, adults or even yourself.

Link: http://heimlichinstitute.org/page.php?id=34

To find out about where CPR and First Aid courses are being offered in your area, visit the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org 

You may also want to order a copy of the Red Cross Babysitter Handbook, which will prepare you for common emergencies that babysitters face.   www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/handbook.html

BABYSITTER TRAINING COURSES

Trained babysitters earn more than their uncertified counterparts, so Expertrating.com has developed an online course to certify babysitters in safety and other job requirements. ExpertRating is one of the world’s only ISO 9001:2000 Certified companies (from TUV America) offering an Online Babysitting course and Certification.  Get certified for $14.99 at Expertrating.com

Link:

http://www.expertrating.com/certifications/babysitting/babysittingcertification.asp

Another highly effective training tool is babysittingclass.com. Participants learn about safety, entertaining children and effective techniques. For one year participants can access tests, online lesson plans and a babysitting encyclopedia. Upon completion of the exams, participants receive a certificate and wallet card.

Link:  www.babysittingclass.com

 

The American Red Cross and YMCA offer regular babysitter training courses for those who wish to attend offline courses.  Check for listings in your area.

http://redcross.org

http://ymca.net

 

BABYSITTER FIRST AID KIT

Kids fall down, scrape heir knees and need bandages or first aid supplies even when they don’t require a trip to the hospital.  The American Red Cross has assembled a Babysitter First Aid Kit that all sitters should have on hand.  Order yours before starting a new job and impress your new employers with your thorough knowledge of safety preparedness!

http://redcrossshop.org/firstaid/kit1.htm

This article was submitted by Britt Michaelian, founder and CEO of Responsible Family Company,
a business that educates and empowers families and caregivers in the
areas of health, safety and living responsibly.  Visit the Responsible
Family Blog, sign up for the monthly newsletter, and order the award
winning DVD Care for Kids: The Essential Guide to Preparing Caregivers
at http://responsiblefamily.com

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