Skip the navigation and go directly to the content.
facebook
Working with young children is a rewarding job, but it can also be challenging at times. Sometimes you may want to talk to someone about how to make your program better – how to set up activities, how to meet early learning standards, how to handle families’ concerns, how to design good program policies - and what to expect from children, families, and other staff.
Better Kid Care’s Early Learning Specialists are available to help you with resources and information on early learning ideas, caring for young children, and operating a child care program.
Call the Better Kid Care Mentoring Line at 800-859-8340 or e-mail your questions to betterkidcare@psu.edu for information about activities for children, what to expect from young children, standards for early care and education, operating your child care program, engaging families, and to discuss ideas from completed lessons. Specialists are available during our program hours (Mon – Fri., 8:00am – 5:00 pm, EST) to take mentoring questions. In the evening and on weekends, messages can be left on voicemail, and a specialist will return your call during program hours.
101+ Ways to Care for Kids – A handbook for child care providers that has information for operating your program, including working with children, working with families, business practices, finances, and health and safety practices.
Caring Ideas - Better Kid Care has a large collection of resource pages. Our Tip Sheets cover topics from all Pennsylvania Core Body of Knowledge Areas to help you understand children and develop your program. Our Activity Pages have fun activity ideas for all seasons. Our Lunch & Snack Ideas contain nutritious, easy-to-make recipes and food tips.
Distance Education Lessons - We have distance education lessons on many topics, including child development, child activities, working with families, and managing a child care program.