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PSA #1 - Parents, if you are looking for child care for your child, try to find quality care. How do you find that? Visit a program and spend time with the caregiver. Ask lots of questions. See if the caregiver has training and experience. Caregivers in certified and licensed programs in Pennsylvania must earn at least six training hours each year.
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 - When looking for quality child care, take time to visit a program more than once at different times of day. Watch the caregiver with the children. Does she treat each child as a special person? If she is a home-based caregiver, see how she is with her own children. What you see will give you insights into how your child will be treated.
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 - Good child care providers welcome visits from parents at any time. A daily schedule will be posted. Policies will be written and you will receive a copy. After enrolling your child, get to know the caregiver. Find out what your child does during the day. Visit the center or home whenever you can.
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 - If you are a working parent with a child in child care, the caregiver is an important person in your life. Try not to take her for granted. She spends many hours caring for and teaching your child. Most caregivers take some of their free time for professional development trainings each year to learn even more about caring for children.
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 - Everyone likes to be appreciated. Show your child’s provider that you value what she does for your child. Greet her with a smile and thank her each day. Offer to collect and bring in materials needed for activities. Pay for your child care on time. Find out when the caregiver’s birthday is and help your child make a birthday card.
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 - Child care providers can do training at home by going to the Penn State Better Kid Care Web site at www.betterkidcare.psu.edufor distance education lessons. This Cooperative Extension program also offers snack and activity ideas and child care tips on its Web site. There are links to other sites, such as the Pennsylvania DPW site found at www.childcare.state.pa.us. The Better Kid Care site includes the Family Time/Work Time newsletter for working parents and other information about children’s issues.