October 2004

Be Prepared for Child Care

Before you enroll your child in child care, find out about the program. It's important for parents to know what to expect and be prepared. Here are some things you will need to know:

What will the child care cost?
Will it fit your budget?
Are you expected to pay when your child is not there?
Many programs charge to hold a child's place.
When is payment expected? (It may be at the beginning or at the end of the week).
Find out about vacation policies.
Learn what hours the program is open.
Does this fit your schedule?
Remember to allow for travel time to and from work.
What happens if you are late picking up your child?
Will a late fee be charged?
Find out if meals are served.
If so, are they nutritious?
Is a menu posted?
See where the children play.
There should be large, safe areas inside and outside.
Where do the children nap?
What about sick days? (Many programs are not able to care for sick children).
Have a back-up plan in case your child or the caregiver becomes ill.
How will you find out about your child's day and other child care happenings?
Is there a parent newsletter, a bulletin board for parent notices, a personal note in each child's cubby, or daily verbal communication?
Many caregivers use several ways to get messages to parents.
What are you expected to provide? (This can include a set of extra clothes, diapers for infants and toddlers, etc.)

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

Outdoor Play Year-Round

Good child care programs have time scheduled for outdoor play every day. Children thrive with active play and fresh air. Find out if your child's program includes outdoor play.

If children are dressed properly, they can play outside in all but the most extreme weather. Make sure your child has the appropriate clothing at child care for each season or type of weather. For fall and spring days a jacket or sweater with a hood or a hat is needed. Cold winter days call for mittens, scarves, and boots along with a warm jacket. When a set of clothes comes home dirty or wet, be sure to send in another set the next day. It's a good idea to always have extra clothes, including underwear, socks, and mittens (for cooler weather) at child care for your child. For outdoor times in warmer weather, children should wear a hat. Provide sunscreen for your child for protection from the sun. T-shirts are needed over swimsuits during water play and swimming activities.

If your child care does not have an outdoor play area, daily walks or outings to a nearby park or playground are ways for children to be outdoors. These activities take planning and enough adult supervision to make them safe and fun for children. Younger children do better on shorter outings. Their best time is in the morning or after nap times.

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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