KIDS LEARN TO BE LIFESAVERS; RED CROSS TEACHES CPR TO YOUTHS SEEKING TO BE BABY-SITTERS.

Byline: David Greenberg Staff Writer

Red Cross officials set up an emergency drill during a baby-sitting class Saturday at the Arroyo Vista Recreation, where students learned how to resuscitate children, using 24 mannequins.

The 17 students ages 11 to 15 performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation - a life-saving technique they may have to use on a real infant as they enter the nurturing world of baby-sitting.

``I'm taking it so I'm more comfortable with the first aid care,'' said 12-year-old Simi Valley resident Alley Smith. ``In case something happens, I'll be prepared.''

The American Red Cross hosts monthly baby-sitting basics classes, teaching baby-sitters first aid, CPR, how to feed infants and change their diapers and how to interview parents regarding vital information concerning their children.

The students also learn not to allow infants to play with any objects that are sharp or can fit into their mouths.

Baby-sitters, in turn, are taught to administer ``time outs'' - placing children in a quiet, safe area - instead of spanking.

``Teaching children to discipline other people's children is part of this,'' said Carrie Pentis, a Red Cross instructor and Moorpark health technician. ``Spanking is never appropriate. Corporal punishment is not acceptable as part of this course.''

Students earn certificates of achievement at the end of the seven-hour class.

``A lot of young teen-agers want to get baby-sitting jobs,'' said Stephanie Shaw, Moorpark's recreation coordinator. ``This is something they can have on their resume. Anyone that hires them will feel more comfortable that their baby-sitter has some training.''

Graduates of the course claim to be making $2 to $6 an hour, according to Pentis.

While the classes are predominantly female, some boys also enroll.

Devin Kruse, 13, of Moorpark, said baby-sitting is the most interesting job available to him.

``I want to start working and get money,'' he said. ``For some reason, I want to baby-sit people. Mowing laws is boring. I'm a people person.''

Scattered on the row of tables were first aid kits containing gauze pads, bandages and latex gloves; emergency medical technique charts; Red Cross baby-sitters' handbooks; and snack food crumbs from a recent break.

During instruction, the baby dolls are wrapped comfortably in mini-blankets and cradled in the students' arms.

``I like hanging out with little kids and helping them,'' said Stacy Webb, 11, of Moorpark. ``It's nice to know I can be in charge and take care of little kids and not have everyone take care of me.''

Anyone may sign up for the $25 class by calling [phone].

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4 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Red Cross instructor Carrie Pentis demonstrates how to change a diaper during a baby-sitting class at Arroyo Vista Recreation Center in Moorpark. The class also taught the budding baby-sitters how to save lives with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(2--Color) Baby dolls placed on blankets await diaper changing during a baby-sitting class for youths. Students are taught other basics too.

(3-4--Color) Above, Cori Minzer, 11, left, and Candace Espino, 12, carefully hold dolls to prepare for real baby-sitting jobs. At left, Devin Kruse, 12, also practices. He says he'd rather make money baby-sitting than mowing lawns. ``I'm a people person,'' he said. Seventeen students, ranging in age from 11 to 15, participated in the class conducted Saturday at Arroyo Vista Recreation Center in Moorpark. Students were taught various skills, including feeding infants, changing diapers and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News