Public Service Announcements
December 2004
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1
- Having a relative or friend care for your child while you
work can be good. You and your child already know this person. Your child
may be used to going to his or her home. To prevent possible problems
later on, find out about some things ahead of time. Learn about what
and when you will need to pay and the hours child care is available.
The Penns State 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
- Parents, before deciding on having a relative or friend
provide child care, take your child for a visit. Have the caregiver spend
some one-on-one time with your child and see how they get along. Are
your child-rearing ideas the same? Find out about discipline. Make sure
you both agree on this issue.
The Penn State 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 -When
looking into child care by a relative or friend, find out what kinds
of playthings will be available. Are they appropriate for your child’s
age? See if there will be both active and quiet activities during the
day. Is there a safe play area outside? See if nutritious meals and snacks
will be served -- or will you need to provide them? Find out where your
child will nap.
Caregivers are often looking for new ideas of things to do with children.
The Penn State 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
- If you are a working parent, make sure you know what
your child will be doing at child care. What are the play areas like?
Children need to play to learn and they need to be safe. Are outdoor
play areas right for activities on cool winter days? Find out what activities
will be scheduled each day. See if the play equipment is safe and in
good repair.
The Penn State 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, when checking out child care, see if the toys are in good repair.
Toys also need to be washed and disinfected regularly to keep germs
away. This is especially important for items used by babies and toddlers
who put things in their mouths. Cleaning toys can prevent colds from
spreading.
The Penn State 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
- For parents and child care providers who have access to the
Internet, the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
has a Web site. You can find updated information about child care, training,
activities, snack ideas, and links to other Web sites, such as the PA
DPW site at
www.dpw.state.pa.us/Child/
Go to to find out what is available on children’s issues.
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
