Fifteen local students received Safe Sitter certification at Pinckneyville Community Hospital on Saturday, April 22.

Injuries are the leading cause of death in children up to age 5. Safe Sitter aims to reduce the number of avoidable and unintentional deaths among children being cared for by young teen caretakers.

The nationally-recognized program was developed by pediatrician Dr. Patricia Keener after a colleague’s toddler choked to death while in the care of an adult sitter who didn’t know what to do.

Students who complete a Safe Sitter course gain confidence and learn how, why, and where injuries can happen so they can be prevented. They are taught infant and child choking rescue and CPR. They also learn how a child’s age affects the care they receive, how to prevent problem behavior, how to run their own babysitting business, and issues in online and cellphone safety.

Graduates of the April 2023 Safe Sitter class at Pinckneyville Community Hospital pose with their practice babies.

A second Safe Sitter course has been scheduled at Pinckneyville Community Hospital for Saturday, June 17th, from 9 am to 3 pm. The class is for students grade 6-8; it is $10.00 and includes lunch. To register your child, contact Brandy Steely at 618-357-8898.