JUNEAU - While the majority of those attending the baby-sitting clinic Monday were aware of the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge an item from a choking person, Kathy Matuszewski, Mayville EMS, demonstrated the maneuver on Tia Kuhn of Hartford.
JUNEAU - More than 600 boys and girls ages 11 to 13 have graduated from the semi-annual baby-sitting clinic since the first offering held the Monday after Easter in 1993.
Co-sponsored by UW-Extension 4-H Youth Programs and the Rock River Chapter of Wisconsin Women for Agriculture, Monday's clinic drew 27 participants from throughout Dodge County.
The day-long agenda got under way at Willows Day Care, rural Iron Ridge, where the attendees had an opportunity to see firsthand playtime activities of young children, including discipline and how they interact with each other at different age levels. Owner Joan Beck stressed the importance of being alert and attentive while caring for a child, and making certain that toys provided are age appropriate. She also encouraged them to use their public libraries and to tap into the many available resources.
Bussed from Willows Day Care to Juneau, Beck reviewed what they had witnessed at the day care center. "Know your surroundings,. Have a number to call parents in an emergency. Never, under any circumstances, open the door to a stranger. And never, never shake a baby," Beck said.
Although Kathy Matuszewski, Mayville EMS, presented an number of demonstrations, she told the class that the EMS is there in the event of an emergency. "Call 9-1-1. It is your job to determine if something is life threatening," she said.
Among other materials, Matuszewski presented each boy and girl with a mini first-aid kit.
Activities included "Dot to Dot in 2's" and watching the video, "What Do I Do Best?"
Following an evaluation of the day-long learning session, certificates of participation were awarded to the graduates.
Commenting on the community outreach program of 4-H, Sally Schoenike, 4-H/youth development agent, said "We always enjoy a nice group that wants to learn baby-sitting skills. 'For 16 years the clinic has been successful as it is, and so we are using the format scheduled from the past," Schoenike said.