FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DO YOUR CLASSES COST?
Class prices vary by location. For details, check out our upcoming classes for links to register for classes offered by our partners or visit our Facebook page.
WHERE ARE YOUR CLASSES LOCATED?
We offer classes in a variety of locations across eastern Massachusetts, including the South Shore and Greater Boston area. To find a class near you, check out our upcoming classes for links to register for classes offered by our partners or visit our Facebook page.
CAN I GET A REFUND IF MY CHILD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND A SCHEDULED CLASS?
While we're not able to offer a refund, we will happily place your child in the next convenient class. Please contact us directly if you need to reschedule your child's class.
IS THERE A LEGAL MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT FOR LEAVING MY CHILD HOME ALONE?
The minimum age varies from state to state. Massachusetts does not have a specific legal minimum age for leaving a child home alone. Maturity level, rather than age, is more important in determining a child’s ability to stay home alone. To determine if your child is ready to take the Home Alone Staying Safe class, please refer to this handout.
WILL THE HOME ALONE STAYING SAFE CLASS BE EFFECTIVE IF MY CHILD IS ANXIOUS BY NATURE?
If your child is anxious, evaluate his or her comfort level with regard to staying home alone. Taking the Home Alone Staying Safe class could serve to ease some fears, but if your child is on the younger end of the spectrum and/or does not seem to be emotionally prepared, it might be best to sign up for the class at a later date.
MY CHILD HAS A BEHAVIORAL OR EMOTIONAL DISORDER—IS IT OK IF I STAY THROUGH THE CLASS?
If you think your child may have problems during class or may need some reassurance, we recommend and encourage you to stay with your child throughout the class.
HOW OLD DOES A CHILD HAVE TO BE TO BABYSIT?
Massachusetts, like most other states, does not have a legal minimum age for babysitting. Age is not the only determining factor for a child's readiness to babysit. Maturity, knowledge of child care, positive attitude, and confidence handling emergencies are characteristics needed for responsible babysitting. Taking a Babysitter Safety Training will help develop these attributes.
WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FOR THE BABYSITTER SAFETY TRAINING?
Yes, class participants will receive a certificate at the end of class.
WHAT IS THE HOURLY RATE THAT MY CHILD CAN EXPECT FOR BABYSITTING?
Hourly rates differ from town to town, number of children left in care, and babysitting experience. We'll discuss reasonable fees or “the going rate” for your neighborhood or the local towns in the Babysitter Safety Training class.
DO ANY OF YOUR COURSES INCLUDE CPR CERTIFICATION?
No, our classes cover first aid, including infant and child choking techniques in Babysitter Safety Training, but do not include CPR certification. For a comprehensive source for CPR certification courses, please explore the website of Health Ed of New England.
WILL YOU TEACH A CLASS FOR MY CHILD'S GROUP OR ORGANIZATION?
Yes, we're happy to offer private classes for groups of 10 or more. Please send us the details about your group or organization through our Private Group Class request form.