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PSA #1 - Are you a parent with a new job? If so, you want to find the best possible child care program and caregiver for your child while you are at work. First, decide whether your child will do better in a center or family home program. Visit several. Look around and ask questions. See if the program is registered or certified by the state. If not, find out why.
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 - When looking for child care for your child, look for a caregiver who is cheerful, patient, loving, and flexible, and has experience working with children the same age as your own. The facility should be bright and clean with play equipment in good repair. Find out if parents are welcome to drop in, unannounced, at any time.
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 - Before selecting a child care program, read over the policies and ask questions about any policies or rules you do not understand. Find out when payment will be required. See if the child care schedule matches your own. Be sure to include travel time to and from work. Check on sick day and vacation policies. If you do not feel good about a program, keep on looking until you find one that is right for your child.
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 -Parents, once you have chosen a child care program, take time to prepare your child for the experience. Read some books about going to child care to your child. Take your child to visit the program. Before the first full day, you might want to leave your child there for few hours to become familiar with the caregiver and the other children.
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 - Once you have decided on a child care program, be sure to complete the required information forms. Your child will need a health exam and required immunizations. List phone numbers where you can be reached at all times. Have a back-up plan for child care in case your child or the caregiver becomes ill.
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 - Working parents and child care providers are busy people. For information on children’s issues, go to www.betterkidcare.psu.edu on the Internet to find lots of information at one location. The Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program’s Web site has activity ideas, snack recipes, newsletters, and information sheets. There are training units for caregivers. Look for links to other Web sites, such as the Pennsylvania DPW site at www.childcare.state.pa.us.