Public Service Announcements
February 2002
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Are you a parent looking for child
care? Here are some things to consider before deciding on a program.
Think about how many hours each week your child will spend in child care
and how much influence the caregiver(s) will have. Think about who
will be teaching your child. Take time to find the best program
and caregiver for your child.
The Penn 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.
PSA #2 - When looking for a child care program,
visit several to see which one is right for your child. When you
think you have found the right one, visit more than once to observe the
children doing different types of activities at different times of day.
If you are considering a center program, try to meet both morning and
afternoon staff.
Good caregivers appreciate information about training options.
The Penn 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.
PSA #3 - If you are looking at a child
care program for your child, see if the facility is bright and clean.
Be sure to check out the eating and nap areas, and the bathrooms.
Is there children’s artwork on the walls? Do the children seem
happy and content?
The Penn 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.
PSA #4 - Parents,
before you begin looking for a child care program, decide if you want
a center or a family home program. Determine how much you can afford
to pay. Figure out the schedule each day that you will need child
care and include travel time to and from work.
The Penn 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.
PSA #5 - When deciding on a child care
program for your child, check out the hours of operation, the rates, payment
schedules, late fees, and policies about vacation and sick days.
See if meals are provided. If you have an infant, find out if you
need to bring formula and diapers.
The Penn 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.
PSA #6 - The Better Kid Care Program Web
site has information for parents, caregivers, and employers on many children’s
issues. There is training on the Web and an email newsletter.
Activities for children and recipes for snacks are added monthly.
Child care tips for parents are featured. There are links to other
sites, including the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Web site
that can be found at
www.childcare.state.pa.us.
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
February 2002
