June 2006
What Makes Child Care Good?
Parents want what is best for their children. What does it take for child care to be good? It takes good caregivers. Good caregivers share the following qualities:
- They have positive attitudes and get along well with others.
- Good child care providers are eager to learn more about children and child development. They do more than the minimum required for training, including state required health and safety training.
- They know state regulations and implement them in their child care.
- They are certified by the state.
- Good providers enjoy caring for children and are dedicated to doing what is right for each child. This shows up in the activities they plan and how they treat the children.
- They take time to meet with other caregivers from time to time, to share information about things they have learned about child development and child care.
- They are eager to work with parents as partners and welcome unannounced visits.
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.
Out for the Summer and Where to Go?
Summertime means your child will be spending more time outdoors at play and looking for things to do to keep busy. There are traditional child care programs and summer day camps. Whichever you choose, you need to be sure it is safe and right for your child.
- Take time to visit to be sure you know all about a program. Ask questions. See if there will be enough adults to supervise the children.
- Find out if the staff has child abuse and criminal history clearances.
- Walk around and take a good look at the facility. See if the play areas are safe. Does the play equipment meet national safety standards? Is it in good shape and right for the ages of the children?
- What about food preparation and eating areas? Be sure hand washing and safe food handling practices are observed. Find out about menus.
- If there is a swimming program, make sure there are enough properly trained life- guards who are certified and trained to perform CPR and first aid.
- Be sure you are given complete information about field trips or outings planned during the summer and sign permission slips for each one.
- Can you drop in to visit at any time or volunteer to help with a field trip? If not, look for another 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 Specialist
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
