January 2003

What Makes Child Care Good?

When you are looking for child care how can you tell if a program is really good? Take time to visit at different times of day. Observe what is going on. Ask questions.

Here are some things you'll find in a quality program:

Cheerful caregivers who pay attention to the children.
Caregiver(s) who are experienced and trained in child development.
Children busy and happy while playing.
A place that is clean and bright with large areas for children to play.
Play equipment and materials that are right for the ages of the children.
A daily schedule posted.
Many activities for the children, with chances to explore and try new things.
Children are given choices of things to do when appropriate.
Parents are encouraged to be part of the program and to work as partners with the caregiver(s). There is daily communication between caregivers and parents.
Nutritious meals and snacks served.
Frequent hand washing takes place.
Cleaning materials and poisons stored in locked areas.
There are enough caregivers.

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

Getting Back To Normal

Children can become overexcited and stressed during the holidays. Parents and child care providers need to realize that even good times can cause stress. It is important for adults to help children get back to normal after holiday times are over.

Here are some ways to help:

Keep schedules as regular as possible. Children do better when they know what to expect from daily routines.
Have active play times every day.
Activities such as playing with clay or play dough, finger painting, paper ripping, and drawing can help reduce stress.
Some cooking activities for children include beating eggs with an egg beater, tearing lettuce for a salad, stirring ingredients for a batter, and kneading bread dough.
Have a quiet time or naptime each day.
Set aside a private area for a child to be alone when necessary. Some ideas for private spaces include a large cardboard carton with one side cut off, a pile of pillows or cushions placed in a quiet corner, a small table with one chair, or a sheet or blanket draped over three sides of a table.
Sand and water play help calm a child.
Give choices for things to do when appropriate.
Praise a child for something well done.

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Nancy Wilson, Better Kid Care Program Assistant
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