Twenty students recently spent three busy afternoons learning about what it takes to be a first-class babysitter at a clinic offered by Indianola Parks and Recreation and Iowa State University Extension & Outreach. Students learned about expectations parents have for the people they hire to watch their children, as well as what to expect of the children they watch at various ages and stages of development.
They got to practice infant diapering as well as keeping a toddler entertained. Each participant was required to bring a toy which was evaluated for safety and for what ages they would be appropriate. Students learned how to fold a washcloth into a Boo Boo Bunny to help comfort their charges. They also created items for their “Magic Bag” to bring along on babysitting jobs, including puppets and hand-made books, plus paint and play dough made from powdered drink mixes.
Local safety professionals were brought in to teach about difficult and emergency situations. Mack Rankin of the Indianola Fire Department taught first aid tips and techniques, what to do if a child is choking, and how to operate a fire extinguisher. Detective Justin Keller of the Indianola Police Department taught students about keeping themselves and the children safe during situations they might encounter such as how to handle a knock at the door. Shelly Jensen of Warren County Health Services gave tips for coping with crying babies and explained Shaken Baby Syndrome and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The fifth, sixth and seventh grade students left the class feeling more prepared for emergencies, how to make sure the child is safe and how to care for children the right way. Feedback included, “WOW!” “This is an awesome class” and “It is fun to do projects with kids”. According to Warren County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, Andrea Palmer, the clinic will be offered again in 2016. Look in the Parks and Recreation section of Indianola Magazine after the first of the year.