Sitter Classes

There are several health education centers and hospitals in North County that offer baby-sitting classes. Locations include:

* The Well Being of Scripps Memorial Hospitals, 290 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas. Classes are open to children ages 10-16. Cost is $15 for a two-part, four-hour class taught on consecutive Saturdays. For a schedule of upcoming classes, call 753-7270.

* The Health Concern, 2429 S. Centre City Parkway, Escondido. Classes are open to kids ages 11-17. Cost is $15 for a one-time four-hour class held on a Saturday. Classes are held once a month at the health education center, but are also offered in various locations throughout North County. For information, call 746-0700.

* Tri-City Medical Center, 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside. Class participants must be at least 11 years old. Cost is $15 for a two-part, six-hour class and includes materials. Classes are taught five times a year and coincide with school breaks. To register, call 940-3100.

* Fallbrook Hospital, 624 E. Elder, Fallbrook. Classes are open to kids age 14 and up. Because the class is American Red Cross certified, younger children do not qualify for certification in this intense, eight-hour course. Cost ranges from $25 to $40. Typically, classes are offered twice a year--in the spring and summer--to coincide with school breaks. Interested community groups, such as scout troops or churches, can arrange for special classes. For information, call the hospital’s education services department at 728-1191, ext. 364.