Alberta Parents Turn to Home Alone Courses During Teacher Strike

As Alberta teachers engage in a strike, many parents are enrolling their children in home alone and babysitting courses to prepare for unexpected childcare needs. Local organizations, including Child Safe Canada and Little Lungs First Aid, report a significant increase in interest for programs designed to equip children with essential safety skills.

In the Child Safe Canada home alone course, instructors pose scenarios to help children think critically about safety. During a recent session, when asked what to do if a toilet overflows, the most common responses included closing the door to prevent flooding or soaking up the water with towels. Tracey Warren, the program’s director of education, noted that while these responses reflect children’s instincts, the correct approach involves locating the water shut-off valve. “It’s really about preparing kids. Things are going to come up,” she explained.

The surge in enrollment for these courses coincides with the ongoing teachers’ strike, which has left many parents scrambling for childcare solutions. Child Safe Canada has expanded its offerings to include additional full-day babysitting classes, attracting families across Calgary. According to Warren, parents should consider their child’s age and maturity level before leaving them home alone. She recommends starting at around age ten and gradually increasing the duration of time spent alone.

Parents are encouraged to create a plan that includes understanding where help is available. Warren suggests that families sit down together to discuss the sounds of the house and what to do in an emergency, strengthening their child’s confidence. “When they have an opportunity to go through these things, it starts to seem less frightening and more empowering,” she said.

The Alberta Health and Safety Training Institute has also noticed a steady increase in registrations for their stay safe and babysitting courses during the strike. Angel Davis, a spokeswoman for the institute, emphasized the importance of having a plan in case of emergencies, including writing down addresses, as even adults can forget theirs in stressful situations.

Little Lungs First Aid has responded to the growing demand by doubling its weekly classes to 14 across Alberta, covering essential topics such as first aid, emergency contacts, and household safety. Rachel Casswell, co-founder of Little Lungs, highlighted the need for children to know how to reach emergency services and stay calm during a crisis. “It’s a good idea to have their address written down,” she advised.

Parents attending these courses have shared their reasons for seeking out training. For instance, Katerina Makos enrolled her ten-year-old son, Johnny, in a course to prepare him for staying home alone while she runs errands. “I’m hoping he learns what to do in an emergency and how to take care of his little brother,” she said. Johnny expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “If my mom needs to do something, I could just chill at home, do what I want—besides anything bad.”

Other parents, like Glenda MacLean, are also taking proactive steps during the strike. MacLean’s children, aged 11 and 9, have recently begun staying home alone for short periods, prompting her to enroll them in a course for added confidence. She noted that her decision was influenced by the experiences of friends with older children. “It was just a judgment call based on what other people who have kids older than mine had done,” she explained.

With support from family members, MacLean’s children will not be left home alone for extended periods during the strike. She expressed concern about their screen time, admitting, “They would only watch TV and play video games all day if they were left to their own devices.”

As the teachers’ strike continues, the rise in interest for home alone and babysitting courses reflects a growing need among parents to ensure their children are prepared and safe. With organizations like Child Safe Canada and Little Lungs First Aid stepping up to meet this demand, families can find reassurance in knowing their children are equipped with the skills needed for home safety.