Better Kid Care Penn State Home Page

Public Service Announcements

January / February 2008

Child Care Tips for Parents

PSA #1 - Children can feel stressed from busy schedules, hectic holiday times, or even from things they see on television, including the news. Parents and child care educators can help stressed children by spending time with them and teaching skills needed to cope with exciting and stressful situations. Children benefit from “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 - If your child is showing signs of stress, work with your child care provider to keep routines and schedules the same.  Children do better when they know what to expect. It helps when they are encouraged to try new things and praised for a job well done. Being silly and laughing together are also great stress reducers! Talk about this with your child’s caregiver.

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 - Parents, does your child’s child care offer a variety of activities such as playing with puppets, art activities, pretend play, music activities, active play times, reading, and quiet times for just plain daydreaming? Children need all these things to learn and have a calm, stress-free day. Make sure this is happening where your child goes to child care. 

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 their parents work. Make sure your child care is safe. Are there enough adults to supervise the children? Check for safety covers on electrical outlets. See if the outdoor play area is safe and has appropriate play equipment that is in good repair.

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 - A safe child care will be bright and clean, including the play, eating, bathroom, and diaper changing areas. Hand washing is frequent to prevent the spread of germs. Emergency numbers are posted by the telephone. There are smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher, and a first-aid kit. Parents, does your child care have all of the above?

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 - Go to the Better Kid Care Web site at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu if you are a child care provider looking for new ideas or a parent wanting to find ways to keep your kids busy during those times when the weather keeps you all indoors.  This Penn State Cooperative Extension Program’s Web site contains information on many children’s issues.  Plus, there are chances to find other information via links to other sites such as the one for Pennsylvania’s Department of Pubic Welfare at www.childcare.state.pa.us.

           

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