Registration for JLNO’s SAFE SITTER® summer classes now open

Written By Alicia Vial

National program for boys and girls grades 6-8

NEW ORLEANS– As part of a nationwide network of certified instructors, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) will host 10 SAFE SITTER® classes throughout the summer to teach children ingrades 5-8 how to safely stay home alone, help care for younger siblings and prepare for babysitting opportunities in the community.

The SAFE SITTER® program is a national program that has been in existence for more than 40 years. JLNOis part of a nationwide network of more than 3,000 certified instructors across the country that teach the SAFE SITTER® curriculum.

“Babysitting is a big responsibility,” said Tara Waldron, president of JLNO. “The Junior League of New Orleans’ SAFE SITTER® program is designed to make sure older children are prepared to babysit for siblings and the outside community, along with teaching them how to safely stay home alone. The program includes training on age-appropriate childcare, safety precautions, CPR, first aid, basic business skills and more.”

SAFE SITTER® classes will be held at JLNO headquarters at 4319 Carondelet St. in New Orleans July 6, 7,13, 20, 21, 27, 28 and Aug. 3 and 4. Participation is limited to 32 students per class and advance registration is required.

The lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use CPR mannequins to practice CPR and choking rescue for infants and children.

The SAFE SITTER® course is both medically accurate and developmentally appropriate, including:

·      Safety precau5ons to prevent accidents

·      How and when to call for help

·      Tips on basic childcare

·      Introductory employment skills

The cost to participate is $80 per person and seating is limited. To learn more or register visit www.jlno.org/safesitter.

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Junior League of New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing women’s

leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. More information on the organization can be found at www.jlno.org

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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