POTSDAM -- Boys and girls ages 11 to 15 who would like to start their own babysitting business can get training from Northern New York Red Cross, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 11, and training in Infant and Child CPR/Standard First Aid from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at the Northern New York Red Cross office, 73 Market St.

The babysitter's training program teaches, among other things, how to tell when there is an emergency and when it's a situation you can confidently handle on your own. An authorized Red Cross Babysitter Training Instructor will teach other babysitting skills such as first aid and how to get professional medical help fast, how to identify common safety hazards and prevent injuries, and how to make good responsible decisions.

Also covered are supervising infants through school age children, choosing safe and age-appropriate toys and games, and basic care routines like diapering, feeding and dressing.

Attendees also have the option of becoming trained and receiving a certificate in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid at a discounted rate.

Babysitter's training also gives tips on how to run a babysitting business -- how to create a resume, interview with prospective parents and keep track of your babysitting clients.

The costs are $55 for the Babysitter's Training or $75 for both Babysitter's Training and Infant/Child CPR and First Aid. Registration and pre-payment are required. Participants should bring a bag lunch and a Cabbage Patch-size doll.

The instructor is Ellen MacMaster.

For more information or to register, contact the Northern New York Red Cross at 73 Market St., Potsdam, slc@redcrossnny.com, or 268-0102.