POMPTON PLAINS Many 11- to 13-year-olds in the community babysit younger children on a regular basis. But how many of them are prepared for the responsibility they accept when they take a babysitting job? Could they help a choking child? Would they respond quickly and appropriately to a seriously injured child? Safe Sitters® are prepared to do all these things. Chilton Memorial Hospital is offering Safe Sitter, a medically accurate instructional program that teaches young adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. The goal of Safe Sitter® is to reduce the number of accidental and preventable deaths among children being cared for by babysitters. Thousands of young adolescents across the country have been trained by Safe Sitter® to handle life-threatening emergencies. The program is taught by a trained Safe Sitter® Instructor. During the course, students get hands-on practice in basic lifesaving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis. Participants also receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers. They learn safety and security precautions, such as what to do if a stranger comes to the door and when and how to call for help. They receive information on child development and age-appropriate activities. Safe Sitter® also teaches injury prevention and management, behavior management, preventing problem behavior and much more. Chilton will provide the one-day Safe Sitter® program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Corporate and Wellness Center’s Conference Room, 242 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, on February 19, April 10, June 27, August 14, October 8 and December 28. Pre-registration for the one-day program is required. The cost for this program is $60 per student, which includes a student manual, lunch and a program completion card. The program is geared for 11 to 13 year-old girls and boys. To register your daughter/son or your child’s babysitter call the Community Health Department at 973-831-5475.