The Newborn Specialist program at Alexandria School provides the hands-on training you need to become a successful "baby nurse".

• Finish training in 5 weeks (evening and weekend classes) + 36 hours of externship experience
• Enjoy a fun, practical curriculum
• Learn from highly educated professionals who are experts in their fields
• Receive personalized, individual placement support for your entire career as a newborn specialist

Placement

Alexandria School provides comprehensive and personalized job placement services exclusively for its graduates. Portfolio and résumé development, interview preparation, contract negotiations and ongoing career support are all part of our commitment to our students. We strive for our Newborn Specialist graduates to experience to strong job demand and flexible work schedules.

Apply

Download our application packet and start the admission process.  (You will need the free Adobe Reader -- version 7.0 or higher -- installed to view the document.)

Or contact us for more information!  

Newborn Specialist -- 5-week program

• Summer 2008 Term: July 11 - August 1, 2008
  Application deadline: June 30, 2008
• Fall 2008 Term: August 26 - September 27, 2008 NEW
  Application deadline: July 28, 2008

Admission

Alexandria School is a selective career school. As a prospective Newborn Specialist, students should have a love and desire to work with newborns and their families. Students should have personal qualities that include warmth, patience and empathy for all family members. A high level of professionalism is expected of all graduates. Applicants also must:

• be at least 18 years of age and have completed high school or hold a GED 
• pass a background check, take part in an in-person interview, and successfully complete a psychosocial examination to evaluate levels of responsibility, patience and personal views on child care.

• submit four letters of recommendation based on child care experiences, at least three from non-family.

Tuition and Fees

Please see Resources for Financing Your Alexandria School Education for more information.

Application:                        $   35
Registration (covers background check and psychosocial exam):                                    90
Material and lab fees:              150
Tuition due at registration:    1,000
Total:                               $ 1,275

Books: Prior to the start of the term, students are provided with a list of required books, all of which are available for purchase through major retailers.

Refund Policies:
A student who starts class and officially withdraws before the term is 15% completed will be obligated for 25% of the tuition plus the application and registration fees.
A student who starts class and officially withdraws before the term is 30% completed will be obligated for 50% of the tuition plus the application and registration fees.
A student who starts class and officially withdraws before the term is 40% completed will be obligated for 75% of the tuition plus the application and registration fees.
A student who starts class and officially withdraws after the term is 40% completed will not be entitled to a refund.

Newborn Specialist Curriculum

A selection of courses that are part of the in-depth, current and hands-on training:

Growth and Development
In-depth education of the stages of development from birth (including premature) through one year; sibling adjustment, roles and integrating the newborn into the family structure

Infant Care
Basic and advanced topics in infant care, including current practices in feeding, Colic, equipment care, sleep, bathing, skin care and infant massage

Infant Health and Safety
Includes hands-on infant first aid and CPR, communicable diseases, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome, signs and symptoms of illness, well-baby doctor visits, immunizations and equipment safety

Postpartum Care of the Mother
Signs and symptoms of normal postpartum care and illness; C-section recovery and illness; emotional aspects of giving birth and what to expect from the recovering mother; sleep deprivation, episiotomy and hemorrhoid care; role of sleep, rest, hydration and healthy nutrition

Professionalism and the Role of the Newborn Specialist
Career development assistance, including résumes, interviewing skills, personal presentation, professional expectations, ethics and responsibilities of a newborn specialist, and communication with employers.  Extra resources are available to assist with liability insurance and taxes.