Baby sitter classes offered

American Red Cross Baby Sitter Training classes are being offered free of charge at Chase and Sacajawea middle schools under a pilot program that requires students to pre-register.

Classes at Sacajawea will meet Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. from Monday to March 5. Students can participate at no cost, but they need to preregister with Peggy Michalski, Sacajawea’s after-school activities program coordinator, by calling 217-2014 or 354-5456.

Classes at Chase started Wednesday and continue from 3 to 5 p.m. each Wednesday until Feb. 28. Chase students need to preregister with school ASAP coordinator Eric Olson by calling 217-2820 or 354-5010.

Additional training classes will be offered at Shaw Middle School during the school’s summer program and at the six middle schools in the 2007-08 school year. Grant money is available to train about 150 Spokane Public Schools students in the coming year.

The classes provide children ages 11 to 15 with the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of adult guardians. Participants can develop skills in leadership and professionalism; basic care; safety and safe play; and first aid.

The classes will be facilitated by Gonzaga University students who have been trained and certified as Red Cross instructors.

Participating students will receive a certification for their training and a Baby Sitter’s Training Handbook and Portfolio, including a first aid kit.