Public Service Announcements
March 2001
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
BE PREPARED FOR CHILD CARE
PSA #1 - The kind of care a child receives
will make a difference in his life. Choosing the right program and caregiver
is an important decision for a parent. If you are looking for child care,
take time to visit some programs before you decide on the one that is
right for your child. Observe the caregiver with the children, ask lots
of questions, and get references from parents with children in the program.
Tell your child's caregiver about free educational materials
that can be ordered from Penn State Cooperative Extension's Better
Kid Care Program by calling
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #2 - When searching for child care for
your child, look for a caregiver who is warm, loving, and flexible. Find
out if she has training and experience with children the same age as your
child. Ask if the program is registered or licensed. If not, why not?
See if there are enough caregivers for the number of children.
Caregivers in Pennsylvania can call
1-800-452-9108 to order
free materials from Penn State Cooperative Extension's Better Kid
Care Program.
PSA #3 - Parents, find a child care program
for your child where there are many things for your child to do on the
daily schedule. See if there are large areas for play. Make sure outdoor
play time is on the daily schedule. The playthings, equipment, and materials
need to be right for the children's ages.
People who take care of children in Pennsylvania can obtain free
educational materials by calling Penn State Cooperative Extension's
Better Kid Care Office at
1-800-452-9108.
OUTDOOR PLAY YEAR-ROUND
PSA #4 - Parents, check to see if your
child care program facilities are clean and safe. Areas for food preparation,
eating, and diapering must be disinfected before and after use. Cribs,
high chairs, and other equipment for infants and toddlers need to meet
safety standards. To prevent the spread of germs, caregivers and children
should wash hands often.
Providers can get child care information and training by calling
Penn State Cooperative Extension's Better Kid Care Office at
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #5 - Is your child care program safe?
Does it have working smoke detectors in areas where care is provided?
Cleaning materials should be stored in locked cabinets away from food.
Is there a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher? Toys and play equipment
should be in good repair.
Good child care providers are always looking for new ideas. Tell
your caregiver about free educational materials she can order from the
Better Kid Care Cooperative Extension Program at Penn State by calling
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #6 - Parents and child care providers
can go to the Better Kid Care Web site on the Internet at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
for information about child care and children's issues. Snack and
activity ideas are updated monthly. There is information about the Better
Kid Care toll-free help line. Providers can get training on the Web or
find out how to order educational materials. Articles on choosing child
care provide parents with information on what to look for when
searching for a child care program.
If you have access to the internet, look up the Better Kid Care Web page
at
http://betterkidcare.psu.edu.
You will find information about children's issues, child care,
and links to other Web sites.
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
March 2001
