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PSA #1 - Parents, choosing the right child care for your child is a big decision. You should look for the best one 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 Pennsylvania 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 - Good child care will have experienced, well-trained 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.
The Pennsylvania 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. 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 Pennsylvania 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, meet safety standards, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennslvania 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 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, look on the PA Department of Public Welfare Web site at www.dpw.state.us/Child/.