Public Service Announcements
July 2003
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - New moms returning to work have
a big decision to make about child care for their infants. If you are
looking for child care, visit more than one program to see which is best.
Go at different times of day, observe, and ask lots of questions. Getting
references from parents who have a child in the program is a good idea.
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 - If you are looking for infant child
care, find an experienced caregiver who is trained in child development.
See if the program is registered or licensed by the state. If not, why
not? Is the facility organized and clean? Observe the caregivers to see
if the infants are held and cuddled. Babies need lots of attention!
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 - A good infant caregiver will offer
ways for the babies to use their senses throughout the day, to help them
learn. The caregiver should talk to the babies, provide bright things
to look at, and have age-appropriate toys for play. Floor play should
be on the daily schedule so the infants can move their arms and legs freely
and have chances to look around. This should be on a blanket or mat in
a safe area.
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 -Choosing
the right child care is one of the most important decisions a parent will
make for his or her child. Child care can be found in child care centers,
group home programs, or with a family home provider. Visit more than one
to see which is best 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 #5 -When deciding on child care, think
about whether your child will do best in a small or larger program. Family
home providers may only care for up to six children in their homes. Group
home programs will have a maximum of twelve children with two caregivers.
Child care centers have more than twelve children and usually have several
caregivers. Choose a program that will suit your child’s needs.
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 - Parents, do you need some new ideas
of things to do with your kids this summer? Would you like some child
care tips when deciding on a child care program? How about some easy snack
ideas? This information and more on children’s issues for parents
and child care providers can be found on the Penn State Cooperative Extension
Better Kid Care Web site at:
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu.
Newsletters, tip sheets, and links to other sites are available. For more
information, check out the link to the Pennsylvania Department of Public
Welfare Web site at:
www.childcare.state.pa.us.
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
