NATCHEZ &045; Skills for safe and effective babysitting will be taught Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 3rd annual American Red Cross Babysitting Training course at the Adams County American Red Cross headquarters.

&uot;When these girls come out of this class, they come out as professionals,&uot; said Linda Carlton, organizer and teacher of the course.

The $25 course covers lessons in rescue breathing, what to do in dangerous situations and interviewing and resume skills. Carlton said she hopes the students will be more comfortable and safer with babysitting.

Anastacia Ellison, 15, learned more than she bargained for after she took the class last year.

&uot;When I got in there, I realized how much I didn’t know,&uot; Ellison said.

She said the class’ demonstrations were fun. Acting out situations, like pretending to have a broken leg during a teaching lesson, was her favorite part of the class. Ellison said she still uses the book she received from the class when she babysits.

Carlton said the class is limited to 10 students from ages 11 to 15. There are still a few openings available. The program, which is open to Concordia Parish and Natchez residents, provides a certificate to the students who finish. Carlton said parents tend to be a more comfortable with babysitters who have taken the course.

&uot;There’s not one (student) I wouldn’t trust to keep my daughter,&uot; Carlton said.

For more information, call Red Cross at (601) 442-3656.