To give teens and preteens a jump start on becoming confident caregivers, the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department is offering one-day training classes developed by the American Red Cross. With summer just around the corner, it’s a good time to prepare for babysitting opportunities available when school lets out for the year.

Due to the popularity of the program, a spring session has been added to the schedule and will be held on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. The training course offers a fun, fast-paced curriculum with hands-on activities, exciting video, role-plays and lively discussions. Topics covered include:

• Finding and interviewing for babysitting jobs

• Supervising children and infants

• Performing basic child-care skills such as diapering and feeding

• Choosing safe, age-appropriate games and toys

• Handling bedtime and discipline issues

• Identifying safety hazards and preventing injuries

• Caring for common injuries and emergencies such as choking, burns, cuts and bee stings

• Communicating effectively with parents

Every participant will receive a training handbook, emergency reference guide, and training CD-ROM with a printable activity booklet featuring games, crafts, songs, recipes and more.

The cost is $60 per person for ages 11 to 15 ($50 for Sparks residents). Additional sessions are scheduled for Aug. 5 and Dec. 29. Financial assistance is available for youth who cannot otherwise participate due to financial limitations.

Register online at www.sparksrec.com or call 353-2385.