Public Service Announcements
January 2003
childcare TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Parents, how can you tell if a
program is good when you are looking for childcare? Take time to visit
at different times of day. Observe what is going on. Ask questions. Find
out if the caregivers are experienced and trained in child development.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, childcare providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
PSA #2 - When checking out a childcare
program, see if the caregivers are cheerful and pay attention to the children.
Do the children seem busy and happy? Is the place clean and bright? There
should be large areas for children to play.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, childcare providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #3 - A good childcare program
will have many activities for the children and chances for them to explore
and try new things. A daily schedule will be posted. When appropriate,
the children will be given choices of things to do. Parents will be encouraged
to be part of the program and work as partners with the caregivers.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, childcare providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #4 -Children
can become overexcited and stressed during the holidays. Parents and childcare providers need to realize that even good times can cause stress.
Adults can help children get back to normal after holiday times are over
by keeping schedules as regular as possible and making sure a child has
time for active play to use up energy.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, childcare providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #5 -Activities such as water play, playing
with play dough, finger painting, paper ripping, and drawing help children
to calm down and be less stressed. Simple cooking activities such as tearing
lettuce for a salad, stirring ingredients, wiping off a table, or beating
eggs with an egg beater can help reduce stress for a child.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, childcare providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #6 - Go to the Better Kid Care Web site
at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
if you are a childcare provider looking for new ideas or a parent wanting
to find ways to keep your kids busy during those times when the weather
keeps you all indoors. This Penn State Cooperative Extension Program’s
Web site contains information on many children’s issues. Plus, there
are chances to find even more information via links to other sites such
as the one for Pennsylvania’s DPW 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
January 2003
