Good Care Will Make a Difference
Quality care can make a difference in a child’s life. Choosing the right child care is an important decision for a parent. Here are some things you will find in good child care:
- Caregivers who are warm, loving, and flexible.
- The child care will be licensed or registered with the state.
- The daily schedule, with age-appropriate activities for the children to do each day, is posted for parents to see.
- Trained caregivers who have knowledge of child development, safety, and health issues, and experience working with children the age of your child.
- A place is that is clean and bright, with large areas for children to play.
- Outdoor play is scheduled. Children of all ages benefit from daily outdoor time except in extreme weather.
- The playthings, equipment, and materials are clean, safe, and appropriate for the children who are using them.
- There are enough caregivers for the number of children.
- A child care provider who teaches the children how to do things and models 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.
Safety First!
Parents, when looking for child care, make sure the facility is clean and safe. Here are some other things to look for in any type of child care:
- The facility is clean and bright.
- The caregivers and children wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eating areas, floors, and food preparation surfaces are clean.
- Cribs, high chairs, and other equipment for children meet safety standards.
- Safe baby gates are used to prevent infants and toddlers from falling or entering unsafe areas.
- Diaper changing surfaces are disinfected after each use.
- Cleaning and toxic materials are stored in locked cabinets.
- Parents are informed of any guns, weapons, and ammunition in a child care home. These are required to be stored separately and locked up.
- There are working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each level where child care is provided.
- There is a first aid kit.
- Outdoor play areas and equipment meet 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
