SYRACUSE — The American Red Cross of Central New York will host a babysitter’s training class for youth ages 11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec 19, at the Red Cross office at 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse.

Babysitting is often a teenager’s first business. Babysitter’s training from the American Red Cross builds confidence to hold, feed and care for infants and toddlers, work with children safely and deal with emergencies. It also teaches lifelong entrepreneurial and career development skills.

The fun, fast-paced class includes hands-on activities, videos, role-plays, take-home training materials, and discussion that will teach the teenager how to:

• Perform basic child-care skills such as diapering and feeding.

• Choose age-appropriate games and toys.

• Handle bedtime and disciplinary issues.

• Identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, and care for common injuries and emergencies.

• Communicate effectively with parents.

• Find and interview for babysitting jobs.

The cost of the class is $85, which includes a babysitter’s training certificate from the American Red Cross, handbook and CD ROM. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch.

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. To register, call 1-800-733-2767, or visit redcross.org/take-a-class.