September 2004

Child Care and You

You have enrolled your child in child care. It's hard to say good-bye when you drop off your child. You rush off to work and worry about how your child is doing. You wonder, "Is the provider taking good care of my child? Did I make the right decision? How can I feel I am part of my child's life during the day?"

You can do this by building a relationship with your child's caregiver and showing interest in the program. Talk with the caregiver every day. Greet her with a smile and ask how she is doing. Volunteer for field trips and special events. Bring in needed items and supplies on time.

Be sure the caregiver knows that you want to know how your child does each day. Talk about potential problems before they become a concern.

Read parent newsletters or notes. Respond to requests for information. Check the parent bulletin board for notices. Review the program policies regularly.

Fill out and turn in required forms on time. Update information on your emergency contact form if there are changes. Be sure the caregiver has information on how to reach you at all times. Let your caregiver know that you want to work closely as a team to help your child.

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

The Program is Right

The place where you take your child for child care does not have to be brand new or fancy, but there are some basic things found in quality child care programs:

There are enough well-trained staff to supervise the children. The rooms are bright, cheerful, and clean with large areas for active play.

Nutritious meals and snacks are served.
There is a quiet area for naps.
Play equipment and toys are clean and safe.
Toys and books are stored where children can reach them.
Handwashing takes place frequently - before preparing and handling food, after diapering and bathroom routines, after wiping noses, etc.
Cleaning materials, medicines, and toxic materials are stored in their original or labeled containers in a locked cabinet away from the food preparation, eating areas, and child care spaces.
The program is registered or licensed. If it is not, find out why not.
There are smoke detectors and a first-aid kit. Emergency numbers are posted near the telephone.
There is a fenced-in play area outside.

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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