Public Service Announcements
April 2004
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - There are basic guidelines for
all child care programs, no matter the ages of the children or type of
program. Parents, when choosing child care, find an experienced and trained
caregiver. See if parents are welcome to visit at all times. Is the facility
bright and clean? Find out if the program is registered or licensed.
Caregivers in quality programs are always looking for information. The
Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program has
information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child
care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at:
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #2 - In a good child care program, parents
will see a daily schedule posted with a variety of activities listed.
There will be large areas for active play, both indoors and outdoors.
The toys and play equipment are in good repair, accessible to the children,
and appropriate for their ages. The facility is bright, clean, and organized.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child
care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at:
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #3 - Parents, find out if healthy,
nutritious meals and snacks are served in the child care program you are
looking at. See if hand washing takes places often, especially before
handling food and after bathroom and diapering routines. Make sure that
cleaning materials and medicines are clearly labeled and locked in an
area away from where food is stored. Good child care programs are safe
and healthy places for children.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child
care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at:
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #4 - It is time for parents to start
making summer child care plans. Older children need a variety of activities
to keep them challenged and content. They should be involved in planning
their activities. A good program will have outdoor and active play scheduled
each day. There will be enough adults to supervise.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child
care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at:
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #5 - Parents, talk with your child
about the kinds of things she would like to do over the summer. Does she
have a special talent or interest? See if your area has day camp programs
scheduled. Visit the site of a summer program to see if it is a safe area
for children to play. See if the policies and schedules meet your needs.
The Penn State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child
care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at:
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
PSA #6 - Are you looking
for more information about child care and other childrenís issues?
If you have access to the internet, look up the Penn State Cooperative
Extension Better Kid Care Web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
This Penn State Cooperative Extension program has a variety of
educational materials for child care providers, as well as information
for parents. There are links to other sites with information about children,
including the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Web site at
www.dpw.state.pa.us/Child/
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
