Public Service Announcements
August 2005
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Preschool-age children have learned many skills and are ready to take on the world! Working parents should look for a child care program that meets the needs of their preschoolers. They should look for an experienced, well-trained caregiver.
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 preschool child care program, the children take part in planning the activities and are given choices of things to do during play times. There are materials and playthings appropriate for their ages and located where they can reach them.
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 - Preschool-age children need time to do drawing and writing activities and a place to do messy art activities where they can be creative. Active times should include balancing and throwing activities.
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 - To build reading skills, a well-trained caregiver will give preschool age children many chances to use language throughout the day. The children will be encouraged to talk about the things they have seen and done and about stories they have read. There will be a reading corner for reading and looking at books.
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 - While in child care, children between the ages of three and five are learning to play together and to form friendships. Playing simple games teaches cooperation, while science and math activities promote thinking skills. Art and music help develop creativity. Pretend play increases imagination.
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 - More and more parents and child care providers are using the Internet to find information. Penn State 's Better Kid Care Program has a Web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu that includes tips for parents on child care issues, training ideas for caregivers, activity and snack ideas, an e-Newsletter, and links to other Web sites.
Also, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Web site for other information on children’s issues. The site can be found 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
email:
naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893
