Home Alone & Stranger Safety Courses
Vari SAFE Courses are highly respected and offer the highest level of safety, interaction and support.
Find out why in our FAQ section and About Us.
Home Alone & Stranger Safety (8-12 years of age)
This unique course is structured in content and delivery for the younger crowd (8-12 years of age). We focus on building independence and awareness in keeping yourself safe.
Topics covered include; getting home safely, communicating with parents, stranger safety, internet, door and phone safety, staying productive and establishing your home alone rules, kitchen hazards for beginners, fire safety, how to call EMS/911 and basic self first aid. Upon completion of this course, we ask that you review the practical section of the manual with your children. At Vari SAFE, we want YOU to be as comfortable as your child - ultimately getting everyone ready for their role in this exciting challenge and responsibility.
Vari SAFE Courses are always instructor led, supported with a detailed handbook and include much discussion, examples, activities and role plays for our students to get comfortable learning and experiencing the material. This is a valuable learning experience, not just a boring day in a classroom! Check out our FEEDBACK section for what our participants have said about their experience.
Can my child stay home alone after taking your Home Alone course?
This is a decision that must be made together as a family, with your child's safety in mind first and foremost. Student maturity level (regardless of age), demonstrated abilities, confidence and comfort level should all be be taken into consideration in addition to ensuring that any periods of self supervision are considered reasonable in length and time of day.
Vari SAFE Education does not "certify" your child as to when they may begin staying home alone. This decision can only be made by a parent or guardian, and should always take into consideration the "Guidelines for the supervision of children" as per the link below.
Participation in our Home Alone course does not mean that a child is now ready to stay home alone; it helps to prepare them and give them the confidence and knowledge to be safe when the time is right. Upon completion of our course, your child will return home with many ideas on how they can be more "self safe", and with a work book including an "@ Home Review" which is to be completed post course, as a family. This family review portion offers tips and resources for parents, as well as a series of questions and situations to assist you in reviewing the course content with your child. We ask that you check for understanding, readiness and comfort level as you review the course materials with them. This is a great way to open up the lines of communication, and to establish whether all parties are ready or not (based on the Guidelines provided) to begin staying Home Alone.
Please review the following link that may answer more of your questions, in greater detail: Guidelines for the supervision of children