Better Kid Care Penn State Home Page

Public Service Announcements

August 2004

CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS

PSA #1 - Are you looking for child care? Check several programs before deciding. Some children thrive in larger programs and others do better in a smaller setting. You know your child best. Choose the type of child care that will be right for your child. The Penns State 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
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Parents, if you’re searching for child care there are several types of programs. Caregivers in family home programs are professionals who may care for up to six children in their homes. Group programs have at least two caregivers and no more than twelve children. Child care centers are larger and have more children. The Penn State 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
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If you are about to enroll your child in child care, find out about schedules, fees, and policies ahead of time. These should be in writing for you to have for your files to refer to when needed. Make sure you understand when payment is expected and always pay your caregiver on time. The Penn State 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
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When looking for child care for your school-age child, find a caregiver who has experience with older children. Find out if the children have choices of activities to do and can take part in the planning. See if there are materials for creative activities and books to read. The Penn State 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 - If your school-age child is in an after-school program, check to see if there is time for active play on the schedule. After a long day at school, children need a chance to unwind before settling down to do quiet activities or homework. A nutritious snack is also important after school. The Penn State 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 -Are you looking for new snack ideas for your children? Do you need some activities to keep them busy this summer? Look on the Internet for the Better Kid Care Web site at for information about children and child care. There are links to other Web sites, including the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare site at www.dpw.state.pa.us/Child/

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