September / October 2006
A Good Child Care Program Will Have...
Parents, choosing the right child care for your child is a big decision. You should look for the best one you can find! Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Visit more than one home or center before deciding. Here are some things that make child care good:
- The caregiver is experienced and, if required, certified by the state.
- The caregiver is well trained and acquires more training each year.
- Parents are encouraged to drop in, unannounced, at any time.
- There is a daily schedule posted.
- Written policies are provided to each parent.
- Hours of operation and payment schedules are clear.
- The facility is bright, clean, and safe.
- The caregiver has good rapport with the children. She gets down to their eye-level to do things and talks with them throughout the day.
- There are enough adults to supervise the children.
- The caregiver will give references from parents of other 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.
Safe and Sound Care
When looking for a child care program for your child, find out if the center or home is a safe place for children. Here are some things to look for:
- Are there enough adults to supervise the children?
- See if there are safety plugs in the electrical outlets.
- Find out where cleaning products, cosmetics, and toxic materials are stored. They should be in locked cabinets away from food. Is the facility clean?
- If there are guns, weapons, and ammunition in a family or group home facility, they need to be stored separately in locked cabinets. Parents must be informed of their presence. By law, child care centers may not have weapons or ammunition on the premises.
- All medicines are in original containers and kept in a locked cabinet.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) -- approved gates and baby equipment are used.
- Play equipment is in good shape with no sharp edges.
- Hand washing takes place before and after meals, before food preparation, and after bathroom or diapering routines.
- There is a safe area for outdoor play, with equipment in good repair and meeting safety standards.
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
