The American Red Cross office in North Platte is offering Babysitter’s Training to help provide local kids between the ages of 11 and 15 with the knowledge and skills they need to care for young children.

“Summer is the perfect time to take our Babysitter’s Training,” said Shelly Penner, Service Center Manager. “It not only gives kids something to do during the long days of summer break, but more importantly, it prepares them to be good leaders, role models and budding entrepreneurs.”

The babysitter course teaches young people how to care for infants and children, handle emergencies such as injuries and accidents, stay safe, recognize safety and hygiene issues, and communicate with parents. It also provides materials to help them begin their babysitting career.

“According to a Red Cross survey, parents have more confidence in hiring a Red Cross-trained babysitter to care for their children,” said Penner. “They prefer hiring a sitter who has taken a class and knows what to do when caring for their children.”

 The training, which lasts just over six hours, will be offered at:

Hershey Baptist Church

219 Sunset Ave.

Hershey

Saturday, May 18, 2013-9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

American Red Cross

1111 S. Cottonwood

North Platte

Friday, May 17, 20130-9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

For more details and to register, call 1(800) RED-CROSS, or visit www.redcross.org/takeaclass.