Public Service Announcements
November 2004
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1
- Parents, if you need child care, take time to find the right
program for your child. Visit some centers or homes. Observe the caregiver
with the children. Ask lots of questions. Keep in mind that your child
will spend many hours there. If something does not seem right about the
program or the caregiver, trust your judgment. Keep on looking.
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
- When looking for child care, find a caregiver who is warm,
loving, well-trained, and has experience working with children the same
age as your child. Observe how the children are treated. Are they busy
and happy? The caregiver should be talking with the children throughout
the day. Each child should be treated as an individual.
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
you are selecting a child care program, make sure the playthings and equipment
are right for the age of your child. The facility should be bright and
clean with large areas for indoor and outdoor play. The children’s
artwork and projects should be displayed. See if there are a variety of
activities on the daily schedule.
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
- Parents, talk with your child’s caregiver and plan
ways to make child care less stressful for your child. Arrive a few minutes
early each day to have time to talk with the caregiver about your child’s
day so far. Leave time for a regular goodbye routine, so your child can
count on it and feel secure. Say one goodbye and leave.
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 -
If you have a child in child care, find out if there is a set routine
at the end of the day to prepare the children for leaving. Some children
have difficulty with changes. A trained provider will talk with a child
about what happens next, so she will know what to expect. Try to be on
time to pick up your child. A child worries when his parent is late. Notify
the caregiver if you know you are going to be late, so she can reassure
your child.
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
