The Marion Fire Department has a mission to protect life and property for our citizens, and we do so by fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and fire prevention activities.  The most effective way to protect our community is by “preventing” accidents and tragic events from occurring in the first place.  If we can prevent it, then there is absolutely zero loss in property, zero injuries, and zero loss of life.  Public Education is our effort in trying to prevent the “bad” from happening to you.

Our children are precious to us and what we want above all else to protect.  But, we can’t always be there for them every minute of everyday, so we must find someone who can be with them that will do their best to take care of our children.  That is why the Super Sitter program has been offered to our community by our fire department.  We wanted to be sure that those that care for our kids are proactive in preventing accidents, are equipped with the necessary skills of childcare for all ages, are aware of the serious responsibility placed upon them, and can be responsible enough to remain calm and confident in this most challenging task. 

The Super Sitter program was developed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and is used by numerous healthcare and safety organizations across the country.  The Marion Fire Department has teamed up with Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids to educate the elder children in our communities, who aspire to care for younger children and those who may have the responsibility of care of their younger siblings. 

The Super Sitter programs are taught by health and child care professionals, and emphasizes the amount of responsibility and the necessity of “liking” the job and not taking a job for “money” only.  The class covers many topics including:  first aid, choking rescue, handling fire and police emergencies, caring for children safely, and being proactive in preventing accidents from occurring.  The information given also aids the sitter by giving age-specific information, which can make the job of caring for different age children at different levels of development much easier.  If we can give the sitter the tools to make the job a little easier, the more successful they will be.

If you have a child over the age of 10, who may be caring for children on their own in the future, please give the elder child the confidence and capabilities to do a good job on the first job they try.  Super Sitters is offered 3-4 times during the year at Marion Fire Department and three times during the year at Mercy Medical Center.  The upcoming classes are listed on the websites.