December 2005
Teamwork Can Improve Child Care
Parents, you can make a difference in your child's child care. Working as a team with your child's caregiver can improve child care.
- Take time to talk with the caregiver each day.
- Tell her about anything going on at home that might affect your child. Caregivers are required to keep information about children and their families confidential.
- Find out what your child does each day while you are at work by checking the daily schedule at child care. Ask your child about what she enjoys doing.
- Try to visit the child care program when you can. Volunteer to help out for field trips or special celebrations.
- Make sure to bring in requested items on time. This includes a change of clothing and appropriate items for outdoor play such as boots, hats, and mittens.
- Read notices and newsletters that are sent home. Be alert for any schedule changes.
- Review the child care program policies regularly.
- Keep your emergency information updated in your child's file. Include numbers where you can be reached at all times and a list of others allowed to pick-up your child.
- Share any medical information that the caregiver needs to know about your child.
- Have a back-up plan for care in case your child or the caregiver becomes ill.
- Greet the provider with a smile each day. Thank her for caring for 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
Who's Caring For Your Child?
Child care providers influence a child's life in many ways. Choosing the right caregiver for their child is a major decision for parents. Here are some things to help you in your search:
- Visit several child care programs to find one that is best for your child. Good child care providers are warm, caring and understanding with children.
- Spend time talking with caregivers who will be caring for your child. Ask lots of questions.
- Find out about the caregiver's training and experience working with children your child's age. Make sure the caregiver has child development training and knows what children need to learn new skills.
- See if the caregiver's child-rearing practices are the same as yours.
- Children benefit when there is good communication between parents and caregivers. Do you feel comfortable talking with the child care provider?
- Get references from other parents with children in the program.
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
