Public Service Announcements
January 2006
CHILD CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS
PSA #1 - Parents and child care providers can help children who may be stressed from busy schedules, hectic holiday times, or even by things they see on television, including the news. Children need time and attention from the adults in their lives to teach them skills to cope with exciting and stressful situations. They benefit from daily "one-on-one" time and talking about feelings.
The Pennsylvania 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 - Adults should keep routines and schedules the same to help children cope with stress. Children need to be encouraged to try new things and praised for a job well done. Being silly and laughing together are great stress reducers!
The Pennsylvania 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 - There are many activities that can help a child who is feeling overly excited or stressed. They include playing with puppets, doing art and music activities, pretend play, water and sand play, and simple cooking activities. Be sure to leave some time for active play, reading, and just plain daydreaming.
The Pennsylvania 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 - Children need to be "safe and sound" while parents are at work. Parents, when looking for child care, see if the home or center is bright and clean. Are toys and play equipment right for your child's age and in good shape? Are there safety covers on electrical outlets? There should be enough adult supervision.
The Pennsylvania 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 - Parents, when looking for child care for your child, go outside to see the outdoor play area. Check the play equipment for rough edges or rust. Does the area have a fence or a natural barrier? See if there is enough room for children to run and play safely.
.
The Pennslvania 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 - Do your children ask you for things to do with them? Are you tired of making the same old things for snacks? Help is just a click away. Go to the Penn State Better Kid Care Web site at
www.betterkidcare.psu.edu to find lots of ideas and other information about children. There is something on children's issues for everyone, from parents to caregivers to employers. You will find links to other Web sites including the Department of Public Welfare site, which can be found at Check out the Better Kid Care Web site at
www.dpw.state.us/Child/.
Nancy Wilson, Better Kid Care Program Specialist
Penn State Better Kid Care Program
253 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
email:
naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893
