May / June 2007

Baby Talk

Are you a new parent? If so, you are busy with your baby. If you decide to return to work, there’s child care to think about. Finding the best person to take care of your infant while you are at work is an important decision!

Here are some guidelines when looking for child care for your baby:

Check out more than one program. Before making your final decision, visit the child care more than once, at different times of the day.
Spend time with the caregiver and ask lots of questions. Observe her interacting with the children.
Find out if the caregiver has experience with infants. Does she have child development training?
See what is on the daily schedule for babies. Are the activities right for your child?
Does the caregiver talk to the babies during feeding and diapering routines and at other times? Infants need to be talked to throughout the day.
Infants learn better when they are exposed to things they hear, see, smell, taste, and touch. Are there lots of bright things to look at and sounds to hear?
Check to see if the facility is safe and clean.
Find out about costs and hours care is available.
See if parents are welcome to stop in, unannounced, at any time. Can you come for feedings?
Be sure you feel good about a program and the caregiver. If not, keep on looking.

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.

Going Out? Watch Out!

With the weather getting warmer, children are spending more time outdoors. This is healthy for children. Parents, check the outdoor policies and play area at the center or home where your child goes for child care.

Make sure there are enough adults to supervise the children at all times. The caregiver should go over safety guidelines with the children each day before taking them outside. On sunny days, sunscreen that you send in for your child should be applied according to directions. Please note, you must provide written permission for the caregiver to be allowed to put sunscreen on your child. You need to supply play clothes, a sun hat, and an extra set of clothes for your child.

See if the outdoor play area is fenced in or has natural barriers. Is there a shady area so the children can get out of the hot sun? The play equipment and activities should be right for the ages of the children. Check the daily schedule to see if there are both active and quiet things planned.

The caregiver should take a first aid kit and drinking water outside each time. A cell phone and emergency numbers are good to have outdoors.

Find out if the caregiver checks the outside play area daily to see if it is safe for the children. Are sand boxes covered? Does play equipment meet safety standards and is it in good repair? A trained caregiver will provide a safe place for outdoor play.

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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