Public Service Announcements
May 2004
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Parents, you enroll your child
in child care and suddenly there’s a stack of papers to read, fill
out, and sign. You wonder, “Why bother?” Well, caregivers
need certain information to take good care of children, and parents need
to know what to expect.
Good child care providers want to learn more. 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 - Most child care programs have written
policies about hours available, payment, vacation and sick days, late
fees, and things to bring for your child. Parents need to be clear about
policies before signing a child care agreement. Never sign anything before
reading it. Keep copies for your file. Ask questions about anything you
do not understand.
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 - Caregivers are required to have
emergency information in a file for each child. Parents, you need to provide
addresses and numbers where you can be reached at all times, for both
home and work. Give names and information of others who are allowed to
pick up your child from child care. List information about your child’s
medical provider and health insurance. Sign the consent for medical treatment
if you can’t be reached.
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 - Parents, does your child’s
caregiver take advantage of doing things outdoors when the weather is
warmer? Story times, art and music activities, dramatic play, and picnics
for mealtimes are all fun outdoors. Shady areas are needed for quiet activities,
and for a break from the sun.
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 - Water play is fun for kids, but
it must be safe. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued this
warning. “Despite the fact that kids may develop some skills and
become comfortable around water, that shouldn’t be considered enough
to keep them drown-proof.
Whenever infants and toddlers are in
and around water, an adult should be no more than an arm’s length
away, close enough to provide touch supervision. Drowning
is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death in children under
the age of four.”
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
