United Way organizing free babysitter trainings for local youth
United Way organizing free babysitter trainings for local youth
Registration now open to students 11 and older
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) has opened registration for three no-cost babysitter trainings this winter.
Trainings are scheduled for January 2 at Backus Community Center in International Falls as well as January 20 and February 17 at UWNEMN’s building in Chisholm. All trainings take place from 9 am to 4:30 pm and are led by American Red Cross certified instructor, Mountain Iron Public Library Director & Events Coordinator, Anna Amundson.
Lunch and snacks are provided, but transportation must be provided by a parent or caregiver. Following each training, participants will receive a certification of knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for children and infants (CPR training included).
To participate, students must be 11 years or older and must live in UWNEMN’s service area (Iron Range, Koochiching County, or Lake of the Woods County).
This is the third year UWNEMN has organized these American Red Cross trainings – and the first year they are offering a training off-site.
“These trainings are making a real difference, both for the students who are building leadership and safety skills and for the families across the region in need of additional childcare options,” said UWNEMN Community Impact Director Crystal Royer. “We understand our region and knew in order to make the biggest impact we’d need to bring the training outside our building and into the communities we serve.”
In order to expand to Koochiching County, UWNEMN started by reaching out to partner agency Backus Community Center. Backus Executive Director Lois Lundin said she was quick to say yes.
“It’s a great opportunity to teach young people so they are prepared to handle childcare situations with confidence,” she said. “Backus is proud to partner with the United Way to offer this free class and to help our youth prepare for what will likely be their first jobs!”
Upcoming trainings are made possible through UWNEMN’s Bright Beginnings initiative, with support from the Northland Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
There is a limit of 10 students per training; a wait list will be started as trainings fill. To learn more or register, visit: www.unitedwaynemn.org/babysitter