February 2003
Discipline in Child Care
Parents, when visiting a center or home while looking for child care, find out about the caregiver's philosophy of discipline for children. Make sure you are comfortable with the caregiver's beliefs.
Here are some things to think about:
- Well-trained child care providers know that discipline means to teach, not punish.
- Children learn better when they are shown how to do something. They tend to do what they see others doing.
- Children should be given clear behavior guidelines.
- Caregivers need to be fair and consistent.
- Rules should be stated in a positive way, telling children what they may do.
- A good caregiver will encourage a child to figure out how to resolve a conflict.
- A caregiver who expects the best from a child most often receives it.
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
Happy Kids Are Eager To Learn
When children are content and happy they tend to be eager to explore new things and ready to learn. Understanding and kindness go a long way in helping children grow and learn new skills. A good child care program will have:
- Warm, loving caregivers who are flexible, energetic, and understand child development.
- A bright, cheerful facility.
- Caregivers who give children lots of attention.
- Time for both active and quiet play on the daily schedule.
- Large areas for the children to run and play, both indoors and out.
- Art materials and books that children can reach easily.
- A variety of activities for children to choose from.
- Ways for the children to use their imagination through dramatic play.
- Ways for older children to help plan activities.
- Caregivers who teach children how to get along with others. Problem-solving skills and conflict resolution are promoted.
- Children's artwork and projects displayed for everyone to enjoy.
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
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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
