Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Nampa/Northern Sunrise County will be providing a workshop for children that will teach them essential life skills for staying safe and responsible when unsupervised for short periods.
The course will be held at the Nampa FCSS Office on Sept. 19 starting at 9 am and will be taught by Community Development Coordinator Alicia Surman.
“Home Alone fits within the preventive and educational approach of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and it aims to strengthen community resilience by ensuring children and families feel supported,” says FCSS Director Amber Houle.
“The Home Alone Course is open to any youth between the ages of nine and 13. We will accept non-resident youth, but priority is given to Northern Sunrise County and Village of Nampa residents.”
The course will be held from 9 am until 4 pm at the Nampa FCSS office and will provide foundational skills and knowledge for children to be safe and responsible when home alone for short periods.
Houle says the course will equip children with essential safety skills, including first aid basics, recognizing potential hazards, and emergency procedures.
“The course encourages independence, and responsibility and provides peace of mind to parents and guardians, knowing that their child is equipped to stay safe,” she says. “Home Alone covers a variety of topics, including, first aid basics, hazard identification, emergency procedures, navigating strangers at the door, power outages, decision-making and problem solving.”
The course has limited space, so Houle urges parents to register their children as soon as possible. Each participant will receive a workbook that they can take home with them afterwards.
The office can only accommodate 10 participants for the Home Alone Course, so Houle says it is vital to register sooner, rather than later.
To register or to get more information, please phone the FCSS office at 780-322-3954.