Events to address babysitter safety, CPR and bullying

The West Bloomfield School District Community Education Department has two upcoming events at which serious issues such as babysitter safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bullying will be addressed.

The district will first host a babysitter training/CPR seminar for people ages 10 and up on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Orchard Lake Middle School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a cost of $71 per person, which includes material fees.

Orchard Lake Middle School will then host a speech by Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard on the issue of bullying on March 3 at 7 p.m.

The babysitting seminar will address not only skills in caring for young children but also how to start a babysitting business. Basic skills such as feeding and changing diapers will be covered as students will be shown how to deal with emergency situations and how to react when a stranger calls.

Basic first aid and CPR will also be taught and a 2-year CPR certification certificate will be issued to those who successfully complete the course.

Students ages 9 to 10 will also receive a wall certificate while students ages 11 and older will receive a babysitter certification card per the American Safety and Health Institute and Medic First Aid Class.

Students can register for the babysitting seminar at wbcommed.org or at 248-865-6462.

On March 3, Bouchard will address bullying and cyberbullying and how to best combat it. The public is welcome to attend the event, which is being presented by The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition and the African American Parent Association.

Orchard Lake Middle School is located 6000 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township.