Public Service Announcements
April 2001
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - What happens for your child on
a rainy day at child care when outside play is not possible? Good child
care providers plan ways to keep children busy indoors. They plan such
things as circle games, art activities, making and playing toy musical
instruments, and many other activities. This should not include much time
spent watching television, videos, or playing computer games.
Caregivers in Pennsylvania can call Penn State Cooperative Extension's
Better Kid Care office at
1-800-452-9108 to order free educational
materials.
PSA #2 - Find out what activities are on
the daily schedule for your child at child care. Many caregivers do simple
cooking activities with children. Science activities and simple experiments
are fun. Some have indoor play areas with climbing equipment for active
children when they cannot play outdoors.
Tell your child's caregiver about free materials and training
options available from Penn State Cooperative Extension's Better
Kid Care Program by calling
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #3 - Time for imaginary play should
be included at child care. Children learn a lot from using their imagination
to act out a favorite story, draw pictures of the characters, or make
puppets to tell the story. A few props, some art materials, and even some
empty cardboard cartons can help children be creative.
Penn State Cooperative Extension's Better Kid Care Program has
free educational materials and training for child care providers. Call
1-800-452-9108 to order and for information.
PSA #4 -In good weather children
need to spend time outdoors each day. They can learn about the world around
them. It is healthy for them to be out in the fresh air and to exercise.
Parents, see if your child's provider has scheduled outdoor activities
daily.
1-800-452-9108 is the number for caregivers to call to order
free materials and learn about training from Penn State Cooperative Extension's
Better Kid Care Program.
PSA #5 - Outdoor activities at child care
can include nature walks, organized games, art activities, story times,
and music activities. Children also need some free time to run, look around,
and explore the yard. Play equipment and riding toys provide exercise
and fun. Does your child's caregiver provide these types of activities?
For free information and educational materials, caregivers in Pennsylvania
can call the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program
at
1-800-452-9108.
PSA #6 - Parents, are you looking for some
things to do with your child? Would you like some new recipes for snacks?
All these and more are found on the Better Kid Care Web site on the Internet.
Go to
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
for information for parents and child care providers on many children's
issues, as well as links to other sources.
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
April 20001
