September / October 2008

Science and Nature Activities – Stimulating and Fun!

Good child care providers will have outdoor activities planned for the children each day. Outdoor time is healthy for kids and they can learn a lot about science and nature. Parents, find out if this is happening for your child at child care.

Think of the outdoors as one big science lab. Children are naturally curious and benefit from chances to explore things. When your child picks up a small rock, there are insects to study. Digging in the dirt can turn up some worms. Sitting and looking up at trees can reveal nests that are homes for birds. Watching squirrels scurry around searching for acorns and nuts teaches children about how animals get ready for winter. Gathering leaves and making piles to jump in helps teach about the changing seasons. Looking at the sky and clouds can lead to learning about weather. Making ramps for cars and trucks teaches some science and physics principles. The children can observe wind, life cycles, shadows, cause and effect, and so many other things. 

Children can spend time outside all year round, except in extreme weather, if they are dressed properly.  Is your child benefiting from regular outdoor learning times at child care?

The Penn 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.

 

 

Partners Making Things Better

Parents, what can you do to make child care better for your child? You can make that happen by working closely with your child’s caregiver. Think of it as becoming partners with your provider. It has been proven that child care improves when parents and caregivers work closely together.

Here are some ways to help make this happen:

• Take time to greet the caregiver each day when you take your child to child care.
• Let your child’s caregiver know that you are interested and want to be involved.
• Provide any information about your child’s night or morning at home that might be useful for the caregiver. This could be teething issues, not sleeping well, not being able to eat breakfast, etc.
• If there are changes at home that affect your child, mention those, too. This could be a visit from grandparents, one parent away on business, moving to a new house, the death of a pet, or other issues.
• Make sure to read any newsletters or notes from the caregiver or center.
• Provide supplies such as diapers or changes of clothes when they are needed.
• Try to volunteer to help when possible.
• Drop in to visit sometimes if you can with your work schedule.
• Thank the caregiver for the time she spends with your child.

The Penn 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 Early Learning Specialist
Penn State Better Kid Care Program
253 Easterly Parkway
State College PA 16801
Phone:  (814) 863-5880           
Fax:  (814) 865-7893
July/August 2008