February 2006
Safety First!
If you are looking for child care, make sure the facility is clean and safe. Here are some basic things to look for when you are looking for child care for your child:
- The facility is clean and bright.
- To prevent the spread of germs, caregivers and children wash hands before and after handling food, after bathroom and diaper changing routines, and after wiping noses or mouths. Diaper changing areas are disinfected after each use.
- Eating areas, floors, and food preparation surfaces are clean.
- Cribs, high chairs, and other equipment for infants and toddlers meet safety standards.
- Safe baby gates are used to prevent infants or toddlers from falling or entering unsafe areas.
- Cleaning and toxic materials are stored in locked cabinets away from the children's reach.
- Parents are informed if there are guns, weapons, and ammunition in a child care home. They need to be stored separately and locked up.
- There are working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each level where care is provided. There is a first aid kit.
- Play equipment is in good repair. Outdoor play areas are safe and checked regularly.
- There is an updated written Emergency Preparedness Plan.
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
Good Care Will Make a Difference
The kind of care a child receives will make a difference in his or her life! If you are looking for child care, here are some things to look for when making this important decision:
- Warm, loving, and flexible caregivers.
- A variety of age appropriate activities for the children to do each day. The daily schedule is posted.
- Caregivers who have training and experience working with children the age of your child. Good caregivers have knowledge of child development, safety, and health issues. They earn training hours each year.
- A place that is clean and bright, with large areas for children to play.
- Outside play activities are scheduled daily, except in extreme weather.
- Clean, safe, and appropriate playthings, equipment, and materials.
- Enough caregivers for the number of children.
- Caregivers teach children the right way to do things and model correct behavior.
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
