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Child care providers influence a child’s life in many ways. Choosing the right caregiver for their child is a major decision for parents.
Here are some things to help you in your search:
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Visit several child care programs to find one that is best for your child. Good child care providers are warm, caring and understanding with children.
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Spend time talking with caregivers who will be caring for your child. Ask lots of questions.
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Find out about the caregiver’s training and experience working with children your child’s age. Make sure the caregiver has child development training and knows what children need to learn new skills.
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See if the caregiver’s child-rearing practices are the same as yours.
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Children benefit when there is good communication between parents and caregivers. Do you feel comfortable talking with the child care provider?
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Get references from other parents with children in the program.
Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Better Kid Care Program has a variety of free educational materials for child care providers in Pennsylvania. The toll-free number to call is 1-800-452-9108.
The Better Kid Care Web site at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu has information for parents and child care providers. It also has links to other Web sites with information about children’s issues.
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