Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Members of the recent Babysitting Basics class. Front row: Elizabeth Peterson, Kaitlyn Belew, Lily Starkel, Destiny Wiles, Carter Zigan, Blake Zigan. Back row: Kellan Morrison, Alysia Chavez, Marisa Chavez, Holden Iverson, Meagan Chapman (teacher), Chloe Winkler and Xavier Hicks. All are Odessa residents with the exception of Kaitlyn Belew, the daughter of Sumer Starkel Belew of Wenatchee, and Kellan Morrison, son of Jessica Melcher Morrison of Moses Lake.
On the first day of spring break, April 3, 2017, 12 students spent the day in the basement of the Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center becoming certificated babysitters. This brings the total to 93 students who have participated in a Babysitting Basics class. Beginning in 2010, the Odessa Healthcare Foundation, as part of its goal to provide health education to the community, began sponsoring this class for youth interested in improving their skills as babysitters.
Meagan Chapman, health educator from Inland Northwest Health Services Community Wellness taught this year's class. The students created a bag to take with them when they go to babysit. They learned how to diaper, swaddle and feed a baby, plus why it is NEVER appropriate to shake a baby. They learned appropriate food and activities for toddlers and younger children. The students participated in lively discussions on appropriate discipline and how to keep themselves and the children they are babysitting safe. They learned first aid for cuts and burns, what to do if a baby is choking and practiced infant and child CPR, beginning with assessing the situation and calling 911.
These students are excited to use their new knowledge and skills as they help care for younger siblings and friends.
Nancy Floether is a member of the Odessa Healthcare Foundation.
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