Better Kid Care Penn State Home Page

caregiver with asian girl

Past Better Kid Care Satellite Broadcasts

The Better Kid Care Satellite video streams are available for viewing on your computer with QuickTime, which you can download for free. After you have installed and configured QuickTime, click the links below to view the videos.

The video links below are only listed as an informational resource. If you are interested in earning professional development hours, visit the Better Kid Care Distance Education page for more information on lessons that are available.

About the Satellites. . .

  • Each workshop lasts two hours, including satellite broadcast time, discussion and group activities.
  • Training materials are camera-ready, you may make as many copies as you need. Feature guests vary by topic.

Viewers Outside Pennsylvania:

  • There is a nominal charge for cost recovery. To order the workshop materials, handouts, and DVD if you are offering this workshop outside the state of Pennsylvania. Please use the Materials Order Form. For more information, e-mail or call 814-863-0339.

For information on the structure and content of the satellites, please contact Lyn Horning, Assistant Director of Programs and the assistant producer of the satellites. (lch5@psu.eduor 814-863-5568)

 

2008-2009

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)
Sparking Kids' Curiosity

What's so great about curiosity? How to help kids to grow curiosity. Clever materials to spark children's creative thinking and learning.
May 14, 2009

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link

Flash Video Link
Download Adobe Flash Player

Art Appreciation 101 for Young Children

Believe it or not, even infants can begin to appreciate art.  Learn how to introduce and talk with children of all ages about art made by them and others.   Try creative ways to react to art.
March 26, 2009

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link

Flash Video Link
Download Adobe Flash Player

I want!  I Want! I WANT!!:  Building Good Consumers

Advertising captures children. Take a close look at what advertising doesn't want you to know.  Learn the effects of marketing on children.

Dec. 4, 2008

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link

Flash Video Link
Download Adobe Flash Player

What Does "Time" Mean to Children?

What do children of different ages know and understand about time?  Why do children and adults struggle when it's time to clean up?  Learn ways to build on children's understanding of "yesterday," "today," and "tomorrow.

Oct. 16 , 2008

Download QuickTime

QuickTimeVideo Link

Flash Video Link
Download Adobe Flash Player

Top of Page

2007-2008

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)

Improving Transition Times

Moving from place to place, activity to activity, is often filled with tears, screaming, and tantrums.  Learn how you can smooth transitions to make them productive, fun times for children and stress free for adults.

May 15 , 2008

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link

Science for Young Thinkers

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to help future scientists learn the basics.  Find out how to make science activities really fun for children and adults.

March 13, 2008

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link

Math for Every Age

If you're able to add 1 + 1 and get 2, you can do math with children. Learn what young children understand about math at each age and simple math activities to do with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Dec. 13, 2007

Download QuickTime

QuickTimeVideo Link-Part 1

QuickTimeVideo Link-Part 2

Problem Solving with Children

Hitting, grabbing, pushing, and biting: how do children learn to play nicely? Children can learn to solve their own problems, but they need adults to teach them how to do it.

Oct. 11, 2007

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

2006-2007

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)

How to Turn Good Play into GREAT Play

Learn the secrets of how to help children expand their play: when to step in, when to step out, what questions to ask, how to get them to think. AND find out how great play reduces discipline problems.

April 26, 2007

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Your #1 Priority: Keeping Children Healthy and Safe

Keeping children healthy and safe should be the top priority for all childcare providers. No one wants to see children get sick or hurt. How do you know that the germs are gone or that play equipment is safe? You'll learn the latest and best ways to keep the children in your care healthy and safe.

March 29, 2007

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Obese Kids: They Are What They Eat

Childhood obesity is a national problem. What children eat is critically important. It doesn't matter if you care for children in a center or a home, every adult that works with young children needs to be aware of what children are eating. This workshop will have lots of ideas to get children to eat healthy snacks and lunches and tips to share with parents.

Dec. 7, 2006

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

QuickTime Video Link - Part 3

Fighting Children's Obesity through Active Play

The percentage of children in this country who are overweight has doubled in the last ten years. Keeping children active is one way to help fight childhood obesity. How much active play time do children need each day? Learn great active play ideas for keeping children moving indoors and out.

Oct. 26, 2006

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

2005-2006

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)

How to Get Parents on Your Team

Does the thought of meeting with certain parents sometimes scare you? Do parent meetings seem like drudgery? Learn how to plan and prepare for good and useful parent meetings. Analyze the way you communicate with parents and develop strategies for building better relationships.

May 11, 2006

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Parents: Friends or Foes?

How do you feel about parents who work? What do parents think about childcare providers? This workshop will examine the mixed feelings from both sides and give strategies for bridging the gap. Come back on May 11 to learn more in part 2 of this workshop.

April 6, 2006

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Avoid Behavior Problems -- Teach Self-Control

What is self-control? How does this help active and not so active children? Learn ways for teaching children self-control, which leads to better behavior. Help children develop this important skill to be ready for starting school.

Dec. 1, 2005

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

How to Work with Active Children

What's the current thinking on very active children? Are they hyperactive or is this normal behavior? Learn more about very active children and what you can do to help them fit into your program. Come back on December 1 to learn more in part 2 of this workshop.

Oct. 6, 2005

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

2004-2005

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)

The Ins and Outs of Good Circle Times

Are children excited to join in circle times or do you feel like you need to drag them to get started? Learn what makes circle and group times fun for children. The workshop will offer tips and ideas for gathering children and keeping them involved.

Dec. 2, 2004

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link- Part 1

QuickTime Video Link- Part 2

See as a Child, Feel as a Child

Why do children act the way they do? Take a look at common practices through a child's eyes. The workshop will help adults to get a better understanding of where the child is coming from to help the ways they relate to each other.

Oct. 21, 2004

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link- Part 1

QuickTime Video Link- Part 2

Easy Ways to Boost Kids' Brain Power

Really great caregivers don't have all the answers to children's questions. They turn those questions around to get children thinking and exploring. The workshop will offer ways to help children develop their reasoning and problem solving skills.

April 14, 2005

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Changing Spaces

The way a childcare space is set up can be a key factor in how well the day goes. Do you ever feel like you're in the middle of an indoor racetrack? Do children often get angry when others walk through their play space? The workshop will give ideas for improving childcare spaces. Bring pictures of your space to see where changes could be made.

May 26, 2005

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

2003-2004

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)

Improving and Using Your Observation Skills

Learning child observation skills can be a powerful tool for solving some of the most important problems faced by childcare providers. Concerned about how to discipline a child? Want to know how to plan successful activities? Observation skills can help.

Oct. 23, 2003

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Active Play: Fighting Obesity and Diabetes and Keeping Children Healthy

The number of children with health problems due to obesity and diabetes is rising rapidly in America. Find out what you can do to start children on a fit and active lifestyle. Learn appropriate ways to help children build healthy bodies.

Dec. 11, 2003

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

The Art and Science of Playing with Young Children

Children's play can be even better with a little adult help. Learn when to step in and when to stand back. Find out what can you say and do to help make play more valuable for children.

April 22, 2004

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Dealing with Anger - The Children's and Yours

Everyone gets angry at times. How that anger is handled is the key. Learn ways to help the children and yourself to work through angry times without hurting others.

May 27, 2004

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link- Part 1

QuickTime Video Link- Part 2

Top of Page

2002-2003

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?(Click links to view)
Let's Talk...Discipline
  • Prevent behavior problems before they happen
  • Teach children to solve their own problems
  • What to do instead of "time-out"

 

Oct. 24, 2002

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

What Children Need to Know to Start School
  • Learn what children really need (and don't need) before starting school
  • Simple things you can do to prepare children for school
  • Help parents understand what children need
  • Start infants and toddlers on the right path
Dec. 12, 2002

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Activities for Learning Math: Numbers, Colors, Shapes
  • New ideas for math learning
  • Low cost - no cost, fun activities
  • Helping parents understand what children are learning
  • Setting up the room for math learning
April 10, 2003

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Active Times - Quiet Times: Making Transitions Easier
  • Nap time, drop off, and pick up
  • Fun activities to make clean-up easier
  • Ideas for calming the chaos
May 8, 2003

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Great Transition Ideas (PDF file)

Top of Page

2001-2002

TOPIC
DATE

MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)

Secrets for Preventing Problem Behaviors
  • New twists on discipline
  • Finding the roots of behavior problems
  • Easy solutions for home and center providers
Sept. . 27, 2001

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Time to Adapt Tips (printed material)

Music for the Non-Musical
  • Easy to make instruments
  • Songs for non-singers
  • Activities for bad weather days
Nov. 29, 2001

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Time to Adapt Tips (printed material)

Book List
(PDF File)

The Ups and Downs of Outdoor Play
  • Low cost outdoor play
  • Keeping children safe
  • Great activities for the outdoors
April 11, 2002

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Resources (printed material)

Toddlers: Terrible or Terrific?
  • Discipline how-tos for twos
  • Eating times and toilet times
  • Learn what to expect
May 9, 2002

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

childcare ... for Mixed Ages
  • Activities and spaces for all ages
  • Kids learning from kids
  • Keeping everybody safe
June 6, 2002

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

2000-2001

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)
Working with Wood - Kids Can Do It
  • How to get started
  • Wood activities for toddlers and up
  • How to keep working with wood safe
Sept. . 21, 2000

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Eating Times - the Ups and Downs
  • How to get kids to eat
  • Quick, fun snack ideas
  • Packed lunches - keeping them healthy and safe
Oct. 26, 2000

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Biting and Sharing
  • How to deal with the biter and the bitten
  • Talking with the parent of the biter and the bitten
  • Learning when sharing is Not okay
Dec. 7, 2000

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Pets in childcare?
  • Get advice on choosing pets for home or center
  • Learn how to set up an aquarium
  • Find out what children can learn from pets
March 1, 2001

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

New Ways to Plan Activities
  • Easy steps to planning your program
  • How to develop activities for mixed age groups
  • How to keep parents happy with your program
April 5, 2001

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Let's Celebrate
  • Getting to know the world's children
  • Exploring food from other countries
  • New ideas for celebrating holidays
  • How parents can help make your holiday celebrations
May 3, 2001

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Exciting Backyard Science Activities
  • Children's activities for insect-shy childcare providers
  • Planting kid-sized gardens
  • Easy ideas to make bird feeders
June 7, 2001

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

1999-2000

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)
Secrets of How to Get Parents Involved
  • Help for the new parent and child
  • Ways to cut costs by parent involvement
  • Forming the childcare team - parent, child, and provider
Sept. . 23, 1999

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Active Kids Are Learning Kids
  • Play and the five senses
  • Learning kids don't sit still
  • Designing sensory play experiences
Oct. 21, 1999

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

How to Make and Use Puppets
  • Using puppets to solve conflicts
  • Storytelling with puppets
  • Learn to make simple puppets from ordinary materials
Dec. 2, 1999

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

How to Take the Stress Out of Caregiving
  • recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout and how to deal with it
  • Learn on-the-spot relaxation techniques
  • How care giver stress affects the children
March 2, 2000

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

What Brain Research Tells Us About Infant Care
  • Understand the type of care infants need at different ages
  • Make feeding, diapering, and sleeping more than a routine
  • Quality interaction with infants
April 6, 2000

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

When is Behavior OK or Not OK?
  • To share or not share? To sit or not sit? Time out or time in? And more...
  • Age appropriate behaviors and how to handle them
  • Circle time: a time for frustration or learning?
May 4, 2000

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Taking a New Look at Dramatic Play
  • Helping dramatic play happen
  • When a child is left out of play
  • Ages and stages in dramatic play
June 1, 2000

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

1998-1999

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)
Learning to Read before Six???
  • Why aren't the ABC's the answer to teaching reading?
  • Learn how to "really" teach reading to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
  • How to deal with parents who want their young children to read
Nov. 5, 1998

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Violence, Kids, Discipline, and Keeping the Peace
  • How to deal with aggressive children
  • Tips for helping parents who have aggressive children
  • Secrets to keeping the peace AND your sanity
Dec. 3, 1998

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

How to Work with Problem Parents
  • Tips on how to get parents to cooperate
  • Ways to build better parent-provider relationships
  • What to do with parents who don't pay
  • How to keep calm, cool, and collected when dealing with a difficult parent
March 16, 1999

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Is Block Play Really Important?
  • How to teach math and reading skills through block play
  • What to do when a tower tumbles and tears are shed
  • Make your own low cost or no cost blocks
April 6, 1999

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Believe It or Not... You Can Be a Storyteller
  • Learn how to become a storyteller
  • Liven up the day with storytelling
  • Make kids part of storytelling
May 4, 1999

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Junk Makes Great Learning Material
  • Use junk, natural materials, and recyclables as toys
  • Why a junk box is important to your program
  • The ins and outs of finding free materials
  • How to get parents to bring learning materials to your program
June 1, 1999

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

1997-1998

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)
Behavior is Contagious
  • Develop strategies for helping children learn self-control
  • Get ideas on how to handle the big three: biting, hitting, and sharing
  • Become aware of approaches for dealing with the out-of-control child and the entire group who reacts to the out-of-control child
Oct. 28, 1997

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

What is Normal Development? What's Not?
  • Recognize behaviors that are normal across the ages and how to handle difficult developmental behaviors
  • Learn how to get help in your community
  • Become sensitized to cultural differences in a Child's development
Dec. 2, 1997

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

A Good Four Letter Word - "Play"
  • Recognize kinds of play and the stages of play development
  • Learn the importance of play for children's development and how to set up age-appropriate play experiences
  • Learn how to facilitate play for all children including children who have problems playing
March 3, 1998

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Using Art Materials
  • Learn the difference between art and crafts and the different roles they play in development
  • Identify how children progress developmentally in their abilities with are materials, including fluid media
  • Identify the difference in the child vs. adult view of art, and how to communicate with children about their art
April 2, 1998

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Communicating with Children
  • Develop communication skills with infants, toddlers and preschoolers
  • Learn communication skills with children that will help enhance children's communicative abilities
  • Learn skills that help to prevent behavior problems
May 5, 1998

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Summertime Care
  • Use outdoor space for learning activities by identifying opportunities such as sand, water, bubbles, gardening, and bugs
  • Learn how to safely use public playgrounds and backyard play sets
  • Learn about safe and productive outdoor play for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
June 2, 1998

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

1996-1997

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?
(Click links to view)
Supporting Stressed Children
  • Stress in Children
  • Helping Children Deal with Stress
  • Stressful Situations in childcare Homes and Centers
  • Tips on Involving Parents
Sept. . 12, 1996

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page

1995-1996

TOPIC
DATE
MISSED THE SHOW?(Click links to view)
The "M" Show: Music, Movement, and Math
  • Everyday math activities
  • Hand-made musical instruments
  • Rhythm and rhyme
  • Songs and finger plays
  • New books
  • Music and movement in other cultures
Sept. . 14, 1995

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Let's Play

  • Watching children at play
  • Ideas for active play
  • Quiet time activities
  • Toy safety
  • Dealing with super heroes in children's play
  • What to do when children play with their food
Nov. 28, 1995

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Let's Talk
  • Talking with children
  • Discussing problems with parents
  • Getting children to try new foods
  • Interviewing parents
  • Listening to children
  • Communicating across cultures
Jan. 18, 1996

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Caring for Infants and Toddlers
  • Books for babies
  • How children learn as they grow
  • Activities for infants
  • Learning by watching
  • Toddlers are terrific
  • Feeding and eating
Feb. 20, 1996

Download QuickTime

QuickTime Video Link - Part 1

QuickTime Video Link - Part 2

Top of Page