The DeKalb County chapter of the American Red Cross will feature a new baby-sitting program for DeKalb-area residents beginning Saturday.

The program will be open to children and teenagers ages 11 to 15 who are seeking valuable information and skills to provide responsible care for children. The program also will deal with handling emergencies.

A one-day class is scheduled to improve baby sitters’ skills, including basic care, safety and safe play. Activities will be scheduled, as well as lessons to accommodate baby-sitting skills.

“The class is to help kids become better baby sitters and handle emergencies,” said Hyemin Ahn, a Red Cross employee.

There is only one class scheduled; however, more opportunities to sign up for another baby-sitting class will be offered to residents in the future.

There are only three people enrolled in the class so far.

“Five to 10 people are targeted to register,” Ahn said.

The class is scheduled to take place on Sept. 6 and will last from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an hour lunch. A $40 registration fee is required for the session. The fee includes a handbook and materials such as a first aid kit, as well as the actual class session.

For more information, call the Red Cross at 815-756-7339.