Public Service Announcements
September 2002
childcare TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Are you a parent with a new job?
If so, you want to find the best possible childcare program and caregiver
for your child while you are at work. First, decide whether your child
will do better in a center or family home program. Visit several. Look
around and ask questions. See if the program is registered or certified
by the state. If not, find out why.
Caregivers in Pennsylvania can order free educational materials from
the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program by calling
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #2 - When looking for childcare for
your child, look for a caregiver who is cheerful, patient, loving, and
flexible, and has experience working with children the same age as your
own. The facility should be bright and clean with play equipment in good
repair. Find out if parents are welcome to drop in, unannounced, at any
time.
There are training and free educational materials for childcare providers
in Pennsylvania from Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Better Kid
Care Program. The toll-free number to call is 1-800-452-9108.
PSA #3 - Before selecting a childcare
program, read over the policies and ask questions about any policies or
rules you do not understand. Find out when payment will be required. See
if the childcare schedule matches your own. Be sure to include travel
time to and from work. Check on sick day and vacation policies. If you
do not feel good about a program, keep on looking until you find one that
is right for your child.
After choosing a childcare program, tell the caregiver
about free educational materials that can be ordered from Penn State Cooperative
Extension’s Better Kid Care Program by calling 1-800-452-9108.
PSA #4 -Parents,
once you have chosen a childcare program, take time to prepare your child
for the experience. Read some books about going to childcare to your
child. Take your child to visit the program. Before the first full day,
you might want to leave your child there for few hours to become familiar
with the caregiver and the other children.
Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Better Kid Care Program has
developed training for childcare providers. Free educational materials
are available. Call the toll-free number, 1-800-452-9108, for information.
PSA #5 -Once you have decided on a childcare program, be sure to complete the required information forms. Your
child will need a health exam and required immunizations. List phone numbers
where you can be reached at all times. Have a back-up plan for childcare
in case your child or the caregiver becomes ill.
Find out if your child’s caregiver knows about Penn State Cooperative
Extension’s Better Kid Care Program. They offer educational materials
and training for childcare providers in Pennsylvania. Call 1-800-452-9108
for information.
PSA #6 - Working parents and childcare
providers are busy people. For information on children’s issues,
go to
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
on the Internet to find lots of information at one location. The Penn
State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program’s Web site has
activity ideas, snack recipes, newsletters, and information sheets. There
are training units for caregivers. Look for links to other Web sites,
such as the Pennsylvania DPW site at
www.childcare.state.pa.us.
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
September 2002
