Public Service Announcements
September 2005
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Parents, choosing the right child care for your child is a big decision. You should look for the best program you can find. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Spend time and look around. Observe the caregiver with the children. Ask for references from parents with children already enrolled in the program.
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 - A good child care program will have well-trained, experienced caregivers. Parents will be encouraged to drop in, unannounced, any time. The daily schedule will be posted and parents given a copy of written policies. Hours of operation and payment schedules will be clear.
Is it time for your child's provider to get more training?
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 - When looking for child care for your child, visit more than one program. See if there are enough adults to supervise. Does the caregiver spend time talking with the children throughout the day? Does she get down to their eye level to do things? Find out if the caregiver has training in child development.
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 - Child care should be safe for children. Play equipment needs to be in good repair and outdoor areas fenced. Cleaning and other toxic materials need to be stored in locked cabinets away from food. Medicines should be in their original containers and also stored in a locked area.
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 - A good child care program will be sure to have safe equipment for the children. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approved gates and baby equipment will be used. There will be safety plugs in electrical outlets. Toys will be age appropriate and have no sharp edges. The children will be well supervised.
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 - To find out more about child care and other children's issues, parents and child care providers can go to the Better Kid Care Web site on the Internet.
It can be found at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu Caregivers can receive training on line. Parents can find activities to do with their children and recipes for snacks.
For additional information for parents, caregivers, employers, and community planners, go to
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
email:
naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893
