Public Service Announcements
January 2002
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Spending time with
your children can help reduce the stress they encounter from time to time.
Children need your help to learn skills necessary to cope with stressful
situations. You can help children cope with stress by spending time together
laughing, playing, and talking about their feelings.
Caregivers in Pennsylvania are encouraged to call
1-800-452-9108
to order free materials from the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better
Kid Care Program or visit
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
for further information.
PSA #2 - Adults should keep routines and
schedules the same to help children cope with stress. Children need to
be encouraged to try new things and praised for a job well done.
If your child's caregiver is looking for ways to get some training,
have her call the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
at
1-800-452-9108 for information or to order free educational
materials.
PSA #3 - There are many activities that
can help a child who is feeling overly excited or stressed. They include
playing with puppets, doing art and music activities, pretend play, water
and sand play, and simple cooking activities. Be sure to leave some time
for active play, reading, and just plain daydreaming.
Child care providers in Pennsylvania can get new ideas and information
by calling the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
to order free materials. The number to call is
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #4 -If your children
are in daycare, you want to know they're safe while you are working.
Make sure work and play environments are clean and well lit.
Teach your child how to properly wash their hands before meals, when handling
food, and after visiting the bathroom. Cleaning materials and medications
should be stored in labeled containers and locked in cabinets.
For information about daycare, caregivers can call the Penn State Cooperative
Extension Better Kid Care Program at
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #5 -Playtime is an important part of
a child's life. But play dates can turn tragic when children are
unsupervised or playing on unsafe playground equipment. Ensure that children
will be supervised at all times.
Check to make sure all indoor and outdoor play equipment is in good condition
and always be sure emergency numbers are posted close to the phone.
Caregivers can call the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care
Program at
1-800-452-9108 for more information.
PSA #6 - Do your children ask you for things
to do with them? Are you tired of making the same old things for snacks?
Help is just a click away. Go to the Penn State Better Kid Care Web site
on the Internet at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
to find lots of ideas and other information about children. There is something
for everyone, from parents to caregivers to employers, on children's
issues. There are links to other Web sites including the Department of
Public Welfare site that can be found at
www.childcare.state.pa.us.
If you have access to the internet, look up the Better Kid Care Web page
at
http://www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
You will find information about children's issues, child care,
and links to other Web sites.
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
January 2002
