Back to Basics
Here are some basic guidelines for parents looking for child care:
- Don’t rush to sign up for the first available spot. Visit more than one program. Ask lots of questions. Find a place where you want your child to spend many hours each week.
- You know your child best. Think about whether she will do well in a small program or in a larger one.
- Take time to look around the center or home and meet the caregivers.
- Observe how the children are treated.
- Is the child care certified and registered with the state? If not, why not?
- Find out if the caregiver shares your views on discipline.
- Are there other children the age of your child?
- Is the caregiver well trained and experienced?
- Check to see if parents are encouraged to volunteer and to drop in for unannounced visits.
- Get references from other parents with children at that child care.
- If you do not feel right about a caregiver, keep on looking. Your child deserves the best care possible!
The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child
care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
Prepare Your Child for Child Care
Parents, once you have found the right child care, prepare your child for this new experience. Here are some ways to help with the adjustment:
- Read some books to your child about going to child care.
- Talk about the things he will be doing there each day.
- Take your child for a visit before leaving him at child care the first time. See how he does with the caregiver and the other children.
- Be positive about the experience. Your mood can affect your child’s.
- Try to keep things calm at home when getting ready to leave for the day. Organize things you need to take with you ahead of time. Have them ready by the door.
- Take time to get your child settled when you arrive at child care. Greet the caregiver and exchange information you both need to know.
- A well-trained caregiver will assist you with getting your child started and help you develop a “good-bye routine.” After this routine, say just one good-bye, then leave. This will make it easier for your child to adjust.
- Have a family photo for your child to take with him. Some caregivers have these posted where a child can take comfort in looking at the photo and talking about family during time away from home.
The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
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Nancy Wilson, Better Kid Care Program Specialist
Penn State Better Kid Care Program
253 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
e-mail: naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893
