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Babysitting Class Teaches Teens Life Saving Skills

At A Cost of $55, Some Say The Lessons Are Priceless

POSTED: 10:53 am MDT September 11, 2007

Faith Lierheimer takes her job as a babysitter pretty seriously.

One look at her flyer and you'll know she means business. It reads: "My name is Faith Lierheimer. I am a Red Cross Certified babysitter. I am 13 years old and have experience working with a wide range of children. I bring a babysitting kit to each job filled with fun games, activities and books to use with your children."

Parents Brent and Claire Berninger both said their children are in good hands when Faith is on the clock.

Lierheimer, like many other metro teen, signed up for the Red Cross' babysitter class and in the process become a certified sitter.

"It's important to know what to do if a kid gets a scrape or, heaven forbid, he should be conscious or choking," said Lierheimer.

If that does happen, she and several of the class' students said they should know what to do.

"Listen and feel for 10 seconds," said class instructor Tim Stabbe.

On a Saturday afternoon, you'll often find Stabbe leading a class of about a dozen. They typically learn basic rescue breathing techniques as well as what to do if a child chokes on a toy or their food. There's also information on the basics of babysitting.

"We go from the beginning steps of how to get a babysitting job all the way to how to change diapers, how to feed them and how to handle emergency situations," said Stabbe.

They are all tips the teens said they need and are now glad they know.

"I've learned how to do CPR on a baby and school-age children," said Jordan Romero, 13.

Lierheimer said the class was worth it and feels good knowing she's armed with the tools to ensure her success. She's also booked with jobs.

It's important to point out that students do not receive CPR certification, only babysitter certification.

The class occurs two to three times a month and costs $55.

A babysitter bootcamp will give students CPR certification and cost $150. They are two-day classes and lunch is provided.

For more information on the classes click here.

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