October 2005
Back to Basics
Here are some basic guidelines for parents who are looking for child care:
- Don't rush to sign up for the first available spot.
- Find a place where you want your child to spend many hours each week. Visit more than one program. Ask lots of questions.
- You know your child best. Think about whether she will do well in a small program or in a larger one.
- Take time to look around the center or home and meet the caregivers.
- See how the children are treated.
- Find out if the caregiver shares your views on discipline.
- Are there other children the age of your child?
- Find out what kind of training the caregiver has and if she is experienced.
- Check to see if parents are encouraged to volunteer and to drop in for a visit.
- If you do not feel right about a caregiver or a program, keep on looking. Your child deserves the best care possible!
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
Prepare Your Child for Child Care
Parents, once you have found the right child care program for your child, help him get ready for this new experience. Here are some ways to help with the adjustment.
- Read some books about going to child care to your child.
- Talk about the things he will be doing there each day.
- Take your child with you to visit the program before leaving him there for the first time. See how he does with the caregiver and the other children.
- Be positive about the experience. Your mood can affect your child's.
- Allow extra time to get ready before you have to leave for the day to keep things calm for your child. It may mean setting the alarm a bit earlier!
- When you arrive at child care, take time to get your child settled. Begin by greeting the caregiver and exchanging information that you both need to know.
A well-trained caregiver will assist you with getting your child started and help you develop a "goodbye routine." Once you have gone through this routine, say just one goodbye, then leave. This will make it easier for your child to adjust.
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
