March / April 2007

What Do Young Children Need?

What do young children need? They need to have the following in child care:

A child in child care needs experienced, loving, energetic, and flexible caregivers.
A child in child care needs well-trained caregivers who know how children learn.
A child in child care needs toys, playthings, and materials right for his age.
A child in child care needs a place to go that is bright, clean, and safe.
A child in child care needs to see her artwork and projects displayed for everyone to enjoy.
A child in child care needs to do activities that help teach new skills.
A child in child care needs to go outside every day when the weather permits.
A child in child care needs to run and play in a safe environment.
A child in child care needs to learn about nature and the world around him.
A child in child care needs to sing and march and play toy instruments.
A child in child care needs to be read stories every day.
A child in child care needs to use her imagination to create art and during pretend play.
A child in child care needs time and attention from the adults in his life.
Parents need to find child care that gives their children what they need.

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.

Where Will Your Child Go While You Work?

Today there are more and more working parents. Where are the children while mom and/or dad work? They are at child care centers, in family home programs, or with relatives or neighbors.

If you are looking for child care, you have choices for your child. Take time to look at several programs before deciding. Just because a child care has a space available, or a relative or neighbor is willing, does not necessarily make it the best place for your child.
You know your child. Think about whether she will do better in a center or a family home child care. Visit both types to see which one offers what your child needs. Ask lots of questions. Observe the caregiver with the children. Be sure it’s a place where you want your child to spend time when you are at work. Ask for references from other parents with a child in the child care. If you do not feel good about it, keep on looking.

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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