Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Are you trying to prepare your child for times when they need to be home alone?
Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services recognize the need to prepare youth for the events that may need them to be by themselves and are hosting a Home Alone course on March 15.
“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 a.m. until 4 p.m. 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.
“The Home Alone course equips children with essential safety skills, including emergency procedures, first aid basics, and recognizing potential hazards.” Houle explains.
“It also encourages independence, and responsibility and provides peace of mind to parents and guardians, knowing that their child is equipped to stay safe,” she adds.
Space for the course is limited, so Houle asks that parents pre-register to ensure their child has a spot in the course.
Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Community Services are coordinating the in-house training, with Community Development coordinator Alicia Surman instructing the course.
“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,” Houle says.
“The Home Alone course is an excellent way for parents to prepare their children for a new level of independence while ensuring their safety.”
The course will cover personal safety, including stranger awareness and recognizing potential dangers at home. Houle explains it helps children develop decision-making and problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios.
“It also teaches them to follow routines, manage their time, and take responsibility for themselves, while also reducing anxiety for both parents and children when leaving them home alone for short periods,” she notes.
“Each participant will receive a workbook that they can take home with them afterwards. Once the course is completed, they will also receive a certificate, indicating that they have completed the Home Alone course.”
The office can only accommodate 10 participants for the Home Alone course, so Houle says it is prudent to register sooner rather than later.
To register or to get more information, please phone the FCSS office at (780) 322-3954.