April 2004
Child Care Guidelines
Children should have quality child care and parents need to check carefully before choosing a child care program.
Some basic guidelines for child care programs:
- Parents are welcome to visit at any time.
- Caregivers have experience and training. They are warm and friendly.
- The facility is clean, bright, and organized.
- Handwashing takes place for caregivers and children after toilet and diapering procedures and before preparing and handling food.
- All cleaning materials, medicines, and toxic materials are stored in clearly labeled containers and kept in a locked area separate from food and child care spaces.
- There is a functioning smoke detector on each level where child care takes place.
- The program has a first aid kit. Emergency numbers are posted near the telephone.
- Parents are notified of any weapons or ammunition on the premises. All weapons and ammunition need to be stored separately in locked cabinets.
- Both active and quiet activities are on the daily schedule, which is posted for parents to see. There is a large area for active play, indoors and outdoors.
- Healthy, nutritious meals and snacks are served.
- Toys, equipment, and materials are appropriate for the ages of the children, in good repair, and accessible to the 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
Summer Child Care
Before we know it summer will be here. Parents need to start making plans for summertime care for their school-age children.
Some things to think about:
- Older children need a variety of activities to keep them challenged and content.
- Children should be involved in planning their activities. Talk with your child about the kinds of things he likes to do.
- See if there are day camp programs in your area. Does your child have a special talent? Would she like to learn more about a sport, science, or music? Choose a camp that interests your child.
- A good program will have outdoor and active play scheduled each day.
- Visit the site of a summer program to see if it is a safe area for children to play.
- Check the policies and schedules to see if they meet your needs.
- Find out if there will be enough adults to supervise the children.
- See if there are field trips scheduled.
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
