Blessings From Home » Childcare

Child Care Providers Wanted

Sun, 20 May 2012 11:12:19 +0000

Many parents enter the child care profession as a way to remain with their own children while earning an income by providing quality care for others’ kids as well. And, many child care providers find the career so rewarding and enriching that they opt to remain in the profession even after their kids enter school and even graduate. But being a child care professional is not for everyone. Here are things to consider.

Do You Have What it Takes Beyond Loving Kids?

As any established child care provider will attest, being a good parent doesn’t mean you’re suited to being a child care provider. Your temperament, organization, the physical environment you offer, ability to work well with all types of kids, adaptability, and patience are a few things you need to consider. Do you have experience working with youngsters for an extended time? You might try that first to double-check your interest, and then consider financing options (if needed).

In-Home Care or Daycare Center?

There are many types of child care–prospective child care providers need to determine what type they wish to focus on. Day nurseries primarily focus on infants through preschoolers; pre-schools are typically toddlers and children often must be potty-trained (ages 2-5); and out of school care is tailored to providing child care of school-aged kids on a before-school or after-school basis or during school breaks, such as staff development or holidays. Faith-based care options also abound.

Child Care Provider Licensing Laws Vary

Opening a child care center is an opportunity to develop your own business while providing a much-needed service. Centers are licensed by the state, and requirements may vary but typically include that care professionals must meet educational/training requirements and be inspected on a regular basis. The facility must also meet certain building, fire and zoning codes. Specified adult to child ratios are enforced and background checks are usually required.

In-Home Care Regulations Differ

There can be a difference between being “regulated” vs. being “licensed” by the state, so check for details and differences. In Texas, for example, the Department of Family and Protective Services typically registers, rather than licenses, family day care homes although it does license in some circumstances with higher standards. Both types of care include inspections, minimum standards and maximum numbers of kids. Listed family care homes provide unregulated care and meet no requirements.

Is National Accreditation Important?

Several different organizations have developed accreditation programs to recognize excellence in child care and early childhood programs. Thes accreditation process typically requires higher standards than that required by state regulations. Accreditation is a voluntary process and involves extensive self-study, leadership skills, and validation as well as parent evaluation. Focus is on relationships, environment, health and safety, learning, and professional and business practices.

What Child to Provider Ratio is Best?

Ratios of children to providers is an important question to consider, and the answer depends on what type of care option is selected, whether it is in the home or a facility, involves more than one caregiver in the same setting, and even the age of the children themselves. Another consideration often factors in the length of daily care.

Are Child Subsidy Programs Available?

There are all types of subsidies and federal and/or federal assistance for child care. The key is to know where to work and also to consider what type of paperwork wrangling you’re willing to go through to get aid. There is help for low-income parents, for providers who care for children in certain low-income areas and/or circumstances, and even for meals and snacks provided to children. Start with your state to see what options exist and whether the programs offered provide benefit.

Can You Work With Parents as Well as Kids?

Caring for kids is one thing; working well with parents can be another. Child care providers often confess to a “love-hate” relationship at times, where they adore the child but become frustrated with a parent’s demands (food choices, time outside, nap arrangements, discipline, art time, and relationships in general, are some hot topics). There’s also the liability and payment issues to consider as well.

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

Parent Involvement Wanted

Thu, 17 May 2012 01:10:40 +0000

Schools, daycares and youth organizations all desperately plead for parent involvement to help enhance academics, activities, enrichment, and quality of care. Parents are a kid’s first and most important teacher, and parent involvement is closely linked to a academic achievement and self-confidence. So, what are you waiting for? Say “yes” the next time parent involvement is requested, or better yet, volunteer your time today. Here are ways to become involved.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Any Amount Is Appreciated!

Here’s How:

Familiarize yourself with your kid’s school or care program. Ask the teacher or caregiver about the curriculum and expectations, and complement themes or center-activities taught during the day with what you can reinforce at home.
Visit your kid’s classroom or daycare program; and observe teaching styles and learning approaches. Watch and see how your own child interacts with others or areas of comfort/discomfort. You might be surprised to learn more about your own kid’s personality when in social settings and away from home, and determine ways to build strength and character.
Volunteer to help…and if possible, on a regular basis! Early elementary-aged students often need volunteers for reading groups, handwriting practice, and math drills. Pre-school groups really need additional parent involvement on special outings or enrichment activities such as cooking or crafts. There is a place for you!
Determine what is required from your kid’s school or care setting in order to volunteer, and take the time to do it. Many schools, daycares, and organizations are now requiring criminal background checks or additional paperwork if you will be volunteering with kids other than your own. Keep in mind that these policies are for the well-being and safety of ALL children, and parents should support these extra security measures.
Attend student events and performances, and participate in open-houses, parent nights, and other parent involvement actvities. Teachers and care providers lament that parents say they want to know what is going on in their kid’s life, but then are too busy to attend these important communication opportunities.
If you work outside the home on a full-time basis, ask if there are tasks or projects you can do at home as a way to be an involved parent. Cutting projects, computer research, and a host of easy-but-time-consuming activities could really help the teacher or provider to spend more quality time with kids.
Be interested in your kid’s activities and projects, and take time when you greet each other at the end of the day to ask about what they did and accomplished. Be sure to check folders or backpacks daily, and encourage conversations about highlights and low points. Parents should KNOW what is occurring in their kid’s life and their emotions that go along with events.
Be actively involved with your child’s learning and homework (this does not mean doing it). For younger kids, read to them every night. Encourage older kids to read to you or to show their newly-learned skills.
Establish a routine at home where show-and-tell and sharing occurs nightly, so parent and child feel connected with one another.
Participate in parent-teacher-provider conference opportunities. After all, those meetings are truly designed for the parents; the teachers/providers already know what your kid can do and is interested in.
Build a network with other parents in your kid’s class, youth group, or daycare. Share information and consider carpooling or even kid-watching of younger siblings so that each of you can have active parent involvement on occasion.
Bring supplies or pre-approved refreshments on occasion, and ask caregivers or teachers is there is something in short supply that you can assist with (as long as you are financially able). The adults will be very appreciative and kids will benefit from your generosity.
Join your child’s PTA/PTSA/PTO. This parent-child-teacher organization is truly dedicated to connecting parents with their child’s school and life. PTA meetings often include informative parent education topics, such as helping a child who hates school, dealing with a bully, building a child’s self-esteem, and more. The meetings also provide a great way to connect with occurrences at the school and decisions and events under consideration.

Tips:

Think of ways to volunteer together as a family. Show your child how to value involvement and participation.
Ask your child how he or she would like you to be involved as a parent. If you have limited time, ask whether he prefers you to lead the reading group or go on the field trip. It’s okay not to be able to do everything.
Be sure to fulfill your obligations. If you say you will do something, then do it! Someone is counting on you, and if you don’t fulfill your agreement, your kid and her class will miss out on something.
Develop a positive relationship with your kid’s provider or teacher. Even if you’re busy (and who isn’t), take a few moments to ask about their day or if there is anything you should know.
Remember to thank your provider or teacher “for a job well done” or for special activities, programs, or skills learned involving your child.

What You Need

An interest in volunteering with your child in a school or daycare.
Time that you can give on occasion.
Enjoyment of working with kids other than your own.
Patience and sense of humor.
Willingness to work on simple projects and take direction from others.
Ability to attend special events or chaperone at outings.
A talent that you are willing to share.
Reliability and commitment to being there when you say you will.

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

Kid Fighting Gets Attention

Sun, 13 May 2012 15:09:35 +0000

6. Be calm under pressure. Kids watch how adults behave and act when they are mad, disagree with something, or take issues. Calm under pressure and self control sets a positive example. If kids are old enough to understand, adults can talk with kids about how they feel angry or mad in a certain situation, but deal with it by ___________ (fill in the blank as appropriate). Ask children to play a game of being angry or mad and what options they can take instead of fighting or yelling.

7. Kids fight for many reasons, and how adults react if they must intervene also helps to shape the course for future kid fights as well. If adults yell, embarrass, shame, or dole out angry or strong words, the result actually could be that the annoying child behavior of kid fights occurs again.

8. Try and eliminate, at least minimize, occasions for fighting. Consider all the reasons kids fight, and do what you can to take those incentives away. If they fight over where to sit at the table each evening, assign spots, and then rotate them, if necessary. Do they fight over colors of any object? Buy the same colors. Period. If they fight over who sits by mom, then the rule is mom sits by herself. Or, if they fight over the size of a piece of dessert or pizza, for example, then the one cutting the slices is the last to get to choose the piece. Know when youngsters are at their worst, such as when they’re tired or hungry or just had a bad day, and minimize any potential fight zones. Children need to know they are loved equally and are special, regardless of how they act, but that you as an adult feel most happy when they are at their best. Sometimes a hug and/or a kiss is all a kid needs.

For more ideas on handling fighting kids, see “10 Things to Do When Foster Care Children Don’t Get Along” from About Guide to Adoption Carrie Craft.

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

tipping provider

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:11:43 +0000

Tipping remains a popular way to say thanks to service providers such as child caregivers, teachers, bus drivers and even coaches or volunteer leaders. The practice of tipping thrives during the holiday season as well as at the end of the school year or season. In fact, research by Consumer Reports’ National Research Center indicated that that the tradition of giving holiday tips is actually on the rise, with gratuity amounts increasing! Last year, American’s tipped an estimated $ 26 billion, and an explanation might be that we feel almost as good giving tips as receiving them–great news for service providers!

So, how do you figure out who you should tip and how much? It’s not easy, because who gets tipped as well as amount, varies greatly by region. Research indicates that people in the Northeast are the most generous tippers, while Southerners the least. However, that’s not exactly fair because tips in the South often are accompanied by (or given instead of) a homemade or hand-selected gift for that personal touch.

If you’re unsure of whether you should tip or not, and you want to be consistent with what other families do (if you indeed care about local customs or practices), ask neighbors, other parents or co-workers first. Then, be sure to find out any restrictions that could keep a recipient from keeping a tip, causing what should be a celebratory situation to become awkward. If you get the green light that tips are customary and you WANT to bestow a tip, then by all means, do so.

As far as child care providers, teachers and bus-drivers, here is what Consumer Reports says people gave to their service providers last year (based on a US survey of 1,800 people). For child car providers (i.e. family caregiver, nanny, au pair, daytime babysitter, or your child’s lead teacher at daycare): 62 percent of people surveyed gave an average gift of $ 40. For teachers: 59 percent gave an average gift of $ 20. For school bus drivers: 31 percent gave an average gift of $ 15. Keep in mind that doesn’t mean the others didn’t give anything. It just means they may have chosen a different way to show appreciation.

If tipping your child’s caregiver, teacher or bus driver, consider the following:

Matching one week/session is considered the “norm.” If your recipient provides service weekly, give the equivalent of one week’s pay. Of course, that may not be practical or possible in many cases (such as someone who uses a nanny at $ 300 each week), but be as generous and thoughtful as your family budget can afford.
Know any guidelines for cash and non-cash gifts. Some employers have restrictions on cash gifts that may or may not apply to gift cards. Some facilities may even “pool” any cash gifts given to be split among all employees, so if you’re not good with that, know this in advance and choose a different type of appreciation.
If giving a gift card to a specific store or restaurant, be sure that it matches with the recipient’s tastes and budget. Don’t give a $ 50 gift card to a steak restaurant that will cost at least $ 150 for a party of two to eat there. Same holds true with expensive clothing stores, if there is nothing for less than $ 100 and you provide the recipient with a $ 20 gift card. Or, don’t give a gift card to a video store, only to find that the person doesn’t have an account there. You get the point! Remember that you not matching your taste and preferences, but that of the recipient. You don’t want to cause extra stress or embarrassment to the very person you’re trying to show appreciation or gratitude to!
Be careful of giving gift cards with fees or expiration dates. Some gift cards actually start deducting the balance after a short amount of time or charge a fee to be used. That’s akin to a back-handed compliment, so stay away if the gift card won’t be free to the recipient!
Tip for the right reason, or don’t tip at all. Tipping should never be construed as trying to gain favor, increasing your child’s popularity in the class, or winning the so-called charitable mom or dad of the year award. It’s not at all about you. Giving should be from the heart. If you find yourself looking for a way to bestow the tip with great flair or production, or hoping to have the gift opened when others are present, you’re giving for the wrong reason. Discreetly provide your recipient with a tip and do it out of generosity, admiration, and genuine appreciation. Any service provider can tell a heartfelt gift from someone who is giving something because they felt they had to.
Accompany a tip (cash or non-cash) with a hand-written note of thanks, drawing from the child, or ANYTHING personal. Gift cards and cash, while practical, are still considered impersonal, and traditionalist gift-givers still absolutely protest over the notion that this is an acceptable gift. However, recipients disagree, and while not meaning to sound cranky, teachers and care providers bemoan that they really don’t need any more coffee mugs, paperweights, or “I love teachers” anything. Really! Combining a practical and not so personal gift of tickets, gift card or cash with a personal note or drawing pretty well sums up the absolutely perfect present!

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

grandparents as sitters

Sun, 06 May 2012 19:09:50 +0000

If you’re lucky enough to have your child’s grandparents living nearby, chances are you’ve already used them for child care. But whether it is for occasional babysitting or for full-time care while you work, here are things you would like grandma or grandpa to know about watching your children.

I am happy you can watch my kids.
It gives me a great sense of comfort that you can watch my precious baby or toddler. I know you love and care for my kids and will take care of them to the very best of your ability.
I am nervous about you watching my kids at the same time.
Watching after a child is exhausting, and if I have more than one, I am more than a little concerned that you can keep pace. After all, I can’t always keep up with them myself! I may also worry about your overall health, your hip or your knees, so don’t take it personal if I try and keep you from going up the stairs or finding ways to try and make it easier on you. I know that if you want, you’re going to do it anyway!
I am anxious that you will let my kids do things that I don’t let them do.
Of course, grandparents are supposed to dote on and even spoil their grandkids. But bedtimes, no sweets before lunch (or dinner), and no bouncing on my living room couch are rules that I know my kids will test you on the minute I leave. I sure hope you’ll respect my rules! That goes for what they can eat (or can’t) as well. Remember that I may have my reasons, such as because my son broke out in hives the last time he ate it. And don’t be afraid to tell my kids “no!”
Please keep your medicines out of harm’s way of my kids.
My kids are very curious, and an open purse with lots of exciting contents inside just begs to be gotten into. I know you typically keep your medications in easy-to-remember days of the week containers and hate those childproof containers, but PLEASE be very careful. If you have a health concern that I should know about that could be a risk to you or my kids (such as seizures, falling asleep, falling, etc.), please talk to me. We need to decide whether babysitting is in your–and my children’s–best interest from a safety standpoint!
I don’t expect for you to give my kids a bath.
In fact, unless they can bathe independently, please don’t! Babies are wiggly and slippery, and toddlers will splash like crazy, pee in the water, and other things you really don’t need to deal with. My kids can be a little dirty, and baths can wait until I get home.
You don’t need to spend any money on my kids. Really!
I don’t expect you to buy new toys or clothes for my kids, especially when you are being so kind as to provide child care. Serve whatever I have in the refrigerator, and know that reading a book, playing a simple game, and, yes, even watching an age-appropriate movie together is fine. All I really need to know is that my kids are safe, healthy and happy!
I will have some activities you can play together.
While my kids my suggest doing everything they can possibly think of, I don’t expect you to play hide and seek or The Hungry Hippo unless you really want to. I don’t need you to clean my house or do laundry while you are over here either. Just enjoy the kids…or at least pretend to!
I may go overboard with a list of instructions or do’s and don’ts.
While I realize you raised me (or my partner) just fine, I may be overzealous in how I make a list or show you how to do things. Try and humor me. Some child care basics are the same as they’ve always been. However, some aren’t. So, if I remind you of always laying the baby down on his back (and not stomach) or show you how to use the Diaper Genie, please understand that I’m just going over the same things with you as I would with any babysitter.
I am not trying to take advantage of you.
Child care is expensive and I may be looking for every way possible to reduce my family’s budget. Having you provide babysitting lets me save money while providing a closer bond between grandparents and grandkids. If you do feel like I am taking advantage of you, however, I do hope you will speak up! I don’t want our relationship to suffer because of it.
If I don’t bring up the subject of payment, I hope you will.
While I hope you won’t expect to be paid for occasional babysitting, it is reasonable for you to be paid if you providing ongoing or full-time care for my kids. After all, babysitting is like a job, and it requires you to have certain responsibilities and keep certain hours. You should expect to either be paid or have an agreeable in-kind exchange.

You might want to check out some additional information about using family members for child care to make sure your arrangement is beneficial for everyone. Interested in knowing who other parents use for child care? Take this child care poll on who provides care for your kids and see how you compare with others.

For some additional insight, check out these perspectives on grandparents providing child care:

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

May fun

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:10:41 +0000

The month of May just beckons for the outdoors, appreciation weeks, and end-of-school fun. Many daycare centers have a “school year” curriculum that runs September-May, with a more flexible and activity-based calendar in the summer months to accommodate vacations, drop-ins and occasional participants. The weather is usually optimal during this month, so enjoy biking and outdoor hikes before the summer heat sets in!

1. Thank a Teacher During Teacher Appreciation Week

The first week of May is traditionally Teacher Appreciation Week, with Tuesday of that week touted as National Teacher Appreciation Day. The National Education Association heads-up the celebration to honor the nation’s public school teachers, but don’t hesitate to use the opportunity to thank private/parochial teachers as well! While token teacher gifts are always appreciated (think practical and not another coffee mug), teachers repeatedly indicate that a thank you note, drawing, or other sentiment from the heart is always at the top of their list!

2. Hug Your Child’s Caregiver on Child Care Provider Day

Provider Appreciation Day is appropriately celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The founding organizers in 1996 saw the need to recognize the tireless efforts of providers who care for children of working parents. As more and more parents are in the workplace, the issue of who cares for our kids is crucial. The day raises awareness of early educators who give tirelessly and generously of their time, often with low pay. As with teachers, any heartfelt sentiment or small gesture is greatly appreciated. After all, everyone likes to hear, “job well done!”

3. Schedule Your Year-End Parent-Teacher (or Provider) Conference

Most school years end with a parent-teacher (or caregiver) conference so that any questions can be answered, progress reviewed, and plans for the next year put into place. It’s a great opportunity for parents to gain insight about their child and how they learn and behave while at daycare or school, so why is that we get nervous about the meeting? Use this one-on-one time to ask questions and to better understand what makes your child tick!

4. Start Planning for Summer Fun

From swim lessons to sports clinics and summer fun activities at daycare programs, churches and rec centers, youth planners are busy organizing summer fun camps for months. Many of those activities fill up fast, so don’t delay. Have you made your plans yet?

5. Teach Bicycle Safety Rules and Then Ride for the Fun and Health of It

Riding a bike provides kids with a sense of freedom and exhilaration, not to mention speed! But there’s much to do before teaching your child to ride a bike or plan a bike trip. May is Bicycle Safety Month, which is dedicated to reminding adults to make sure that riders have proper fitting helmets, that bicycles are in a safe operating condition with working breaks, properly-aired tires, and are adjusted at the appropriate height. Many daycare centers feature bicycle rodeo days or end-of-year parking lot parades (where kids decorate their bikes and ride them parade-fashion). Parents can encourage excercise and outdoor fun by riding bikes with their youngsters on a regular basis.

6. Start Those End-of-Year Kid Gifts Today

Most daycare and schools end the school year with a fun party for the younger kids. It’s a way to help kids associate that they’ve grown up another year and to celebrate all the new skills learned and friends made. And, with kids, any party is a fun party! Oftentimes, those end-of-year celebrations involve a simple gift exchange as well. Parents can save lots of money and stress by either making a small token of thanks or making their selection ahead of time so they can be worry-free later on!

7. Thank Your Child’s Day Care/School Cafeteria Staff

A growing emphasis is being made to provide kids with healthy, low-fat and appetizing meals that they will actually eat–no small challenge. Look at a menu, and you’ll hopefully see more selections of fresh fruit and vegetables and lower calorie desserts (such as frozen yogurt instead of ice cream). If you like what you’re seeing, then consider using the first week of May–proclaimed as Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week–as an opportune time to say “thank you!” Of course, staff will appreciate a kind word or kudos any time during the month…or any time at all!

8. Choose Child Care for This Fall

School isn’t over, summer is still months away, and so how could anyone possibly be thinking about fall child care options now? Get real, moms and dads. The hunt for child care when summer ends has already begun. In fact, in certain parts of the country or at coveted programs, you’re already too late. So, along with planning end-of-year school parties and summer fun, don’t overlook what you plan to do when the new academic year begins!

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

Teen Babysitters

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:10:17 +0000

Teenagers, especially those age 16 or under, are often hard pressed to find a job … any job … and in particular one that pays decent money. Babysitting does provide teens with some much-desired cash and is a job that offers flexibility around other activities as well. Here are tips for getting a job … and then getting a call back for another opportunity!

How to land a babysitting job (and get a call back for a future job):

Get training–Take a babysitting course along with a CPR/first-aid class for great appeal to parents. If you desire to watch infants, be sure to take infant CPR training as well. Parents will find your credentials particularly appealing.
Charge fairly–Hourly rates for a babysitter varies depending on where you live, how long the service is required, whether there is one or multiple children to care for, your age, and also the time of year (special occasions typically command higher rates). Find out what the going rate in your area is, and be sure to stay within that range. Also, if you charge one family one amount, be sure to be consistent with another family if all things are equal (such as number/ages of kids). The word on your hourly rate WILL get a round.
Advertise–Word of mouth can help get sitting jobs; so can creating flyers and distributing them around the neighborhood. Consider also giving out flyers that include your name, age, contact information, training, availability, and activities at your school, church, or other areas that parents will see. Ask if your neighborhood has an online posting area. If you participate in activities such as dance, see if there is a public bulletin board where you can display your information.
Impress the parents–Don’t view babysitting as a one-night gig or just something until you get a “real job.” This is a real job, and these parents can become important references and a vital source for future work as well. Arrive a few minutes early (but not too early), bring a notebook and pen and take notes while parents give you information, and come prepared with kid entertainment. Sought-after babysitters have an action plan of activities (consider it your “sitter bag of tricks.”) And be sure to ask parents questions and about expectations and rules. Don’t plan to leave the house or yard without prior approval by parents. If there is a nearby park, for example, don’t just assume you’ll take the kids there. Be sure to ask if the activity is okay.
Give your undivided attention to your charges–Don’t be the type of babysitter who yaks on her cell phone or plants in front of the family television. Be attentive and interactive, or else you won’t get asked back. Never invite a friend to come over, and never, ever leave kids unattended for any reason. After kids are in bed, be sure to check on them a time or two.
Pick up the house before parents get home–A pet peeve of many parents is to come home after a night out only to find a dirty kitchen, muddy shoes, or things in general disarray with toys out of place, etc. A general rule is to leave the house cleaner than when you arrive. Parents WILL notice this extra effort, and it may result in a larger tip!
Give a true report–Tell parents of any occurrences that happened while they were gone. Be honest about accidents or things they should know about. You don’t need to tell parents about every small detail, however. They don’t need to know that Suzy called her brother a name, however, unless it was really bad and/or repeated throughout the evening. On the flip size, be sure to note any special behavior that warrants a hug from mom or dad the next day. If Sam helped clean up the dishes and brushed his teeth before bed without being told, make a note and be sure to brag about it! Parents want to know about the good and the bad.
Leave with grace–Thank parents for the opportunity to watch their precious children, and be sure to tell them how much you enjoyed them. Tell them that you really hope to be able to see their children again soon, and will be eager for another babysitting job. Chances are, you’ll get that phone call soon!

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

Self Awareness Crosses Line

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:11:04 +0000

Question: How Do I Stop A Child From Playing With His Privates?

A family child care provider has asked how to deal with the situation of a young boy in her charge liking to undress and play with his privates. She says the tot is totally unaware that the action could be inappropriate, and howls when required to re-dress and participate in a different activity. She asks: “How can ‘private play’ be kept just that?”

Answer: Most kids at a certain stage of development discover their penis or vagina, otherwise referred to as “privates.” While the self-discovery of private parts is a very natural stage and can be equated to playing with fingers and toes, the behavior is still not condoned when in a child care setting. It can create embarrassing moments for a child care provider, a parent, or even other children.Most child experts caution that there is a balance between innocent self discovery and doing something that causes discomfort for anyone. Playing with or examining private parts is something that certainly should be discouraged in a low-key way, without passing judgment or making a child to feel that any such action is bad or wrong. Parents can assess any moral/parenting discussion to the action; child care providers simply stop the behavior because it is not appropriate around others. A tried-and-true recommendation is to clearly state rules of required dress and then re-directing ANY behavior that involves removal of any clothes, including socks and shoes when not allowed. Of course, parents should be brought in the loop so that a provider-parent partnership can be worked out to stop the behavior. (Almost certainly, regardless of parents’ views on inquisitive play of privates, they won’t want their child doing such an activity in a public setting.)

In addition, the same approach can be utilized when kids touch others inappropriately, and that doesn’t need to be something of a sexual or private parts type of touching. Kids may swat another’s backside or tickle them under the arms or even the inner thighs based on what someone has done to them. While the action may be innocent, the key rule to remember is that if it could make anyone uncomfortable then it is not appropriate in whatever context it may have been meant.

By this same token, discussions about appropriate and inappropriate touching or looking is also a must-have conversation with children at an early age, although the talk should be geared toward the age and maturity level of kids. Kids need to know expectations as to what is acceptable behavior and privacy requirements (that include touching, looking, taking pictures, etc.) of themselves. It is recommended that child care providers notify parents in advance of a planned conversation with kids in their charge about this topic and encourage parents to have additional conversations with their kids outside the child care setting. Parents may very well have questions about what will be discussed and how issues may be presented, and certainly have the right to ask that their child not be included in the conversation.

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

Afterschool Options

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:10:02 +0000

Millions of school-age kids are going home to an empty house after school, and the number of kids home alone has actually increased over the past five years even as afterschool care is more plentiful.

The Afterschool Alliance conducted a national household survey of early 30,000 families in 2009 to learn how many children participate in afterschool programs, how many are unsupervised after school, and how these numbers compare to five years ago. The America After 3PM study sponsored by the JC Penney Afterschool Fund essentially found that while afterschool programs today are serving significantly more children than in 2004, more children today are home alone after school, and that the demand for safe, quality and affordable options is higher than ever. [

Key findings

About 26 percent of America’s school-aged children are on their own after the school day ends until a parent returns home from work. The percentage of children left on their own in the afternoons has increased in the past five years from 14.3 million in 2004 to 15.1 million in 2009.
There is a growing awareness that children are at particular risk during the afternoon hours from a safety and “poor choices” point of view. In addition, kids who are home alone and remaining inside the house (which most are directed to do) often spend the time eating junk food, watching television, and not participating in any physically-active or academic work during these hours. A lack of healthy eating and physical exercise is contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, which is starting at an earlier age than ever before.
Today, 30 percent of middle school students (3,722,219) and 4 percent of elementary school children (1,133,989) are unsupervised after school. Increasingly, older-age children may be responsible for caring for their younger siblings after the end of the school day.
The availability of afterschool programs has improved in the past five years. This is another example of how child care trends are changing across the nation. But the report indicates that there are still not enough programs to keep pace with rising needs. Some program directors say it is a juggling act to provide safe and affordable after-school care with activities that are enticing to the middle-school age with enough participants to make it cost effective.
Fifteen percent of children currently participate in afterschool programs, a 4 percent increase from 2004. Parents of 18.5 million children not currently participating in afterschool programs say they would enroll their children if a program were available to stem–a significant increase from the 30 percent who responded similarly in 2004.
Cost, especially during today’s tough economic times, makes paying for afterschool child care programs more challenging. Some parents don’t put their kids in afterschool care programs–even though they know it would keep their kids more safe–because they simply can’t afford to do so. On average, parents who pay for afterschool programs pay $ 67 per week, up from an average of $ 44 per child per week five years ago.

Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having a child stay home alone after school and to know whether a youngster is truly old and mature enough to be unsupervised after school. Additional information about the report can be viewed by going to the Afterschool Alliance website.

About.com Child Care: What’s Hot Now

12 Ways To Say Thanks!

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:09:59 +0000

Sometimes parents want to give more than a hug or a handshake to thank their child’s teacher or caregiver for a job well done. After all, these professionals dedicate themselves to enriching the life of your child–and often don’t get paid a lot for the tremendous effort they do each day. Special appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are 12 practical and often inexpensive gift ideas (most are under $ 25 and many are a lot cheaper) to let your child’s care provider/teacher know he/she is special!

1. Book Selections from the NEA

With motivational book selections such as “Beyond Heroes and Holidays” or “The Inspiring Teacher: Making a Positive Difference in Students’ Lives,” parents should check out the National Education Association’s online bookstore for new releases and topics of interest. The books can make for a great read during summer months or school-year breaks.

2. Personalized Teacher Notepads

You pick the name, paper and ink color, pad design, and you’re done! Personalized teacher notepads are a gift certain to be used and appreciated, and this site offers free shipping.

3. Teacher Desk Accessories

Personalized desk accessories provide a thoughtful and useful touch that are just the right size for teacher’s usually crowded work spaces.

4. Blankets, Pillows or Throws

Encourage your child’s teacher to get comfy in the classroom or at home to rest up after a long day! There are countless throws with inspirational teacher blankets to consider. Or, you can simply pick up a soft fleece blanket in a favorite color from a local store and tuck it in with a cherished book!

5. Teacher’s Calendar

This inexpensive book keeps teachers in the day-to-day know of upcoming holidays, historic events, birthdays, and special Days, weeks, and months. It is certain to be an often-referred to resource!

6. Make A Wish Merchandise

Every purchase of Make-A-Wish merchandise benefits the Foundation, and since it is truly all about the kids, what could be a more special gift from the heart? Items vary from a $ 2 Make-A-Wish magnetic star, of which 100 percent of proceeds go to the Foundation, to apparel, chocolate, holiday keepsakes, and more. With the promise of “Share the power of a wish,” you can do no wrong and teachers will love the sentiment!

7. Treats for Teacher Basket

What teacher wouldn’t love a school-themed painted pot filled with edible goodies and treats?

8. Canvas Tote Bags

A canvas tote bag bearing the message, “Teachers Have Class,” or “Those Who Love Teaching Help Others Love Learning” is a practical gift to help teachers/caregivers carry their supplies, books and planners in. Tote bags can be personalized or compliment a teacher’s favorite color!

9. Starbucks (or Local Coffee Store) Gift Card

If your area has a local Starbucks (and don’t most communities nowadays?), consider giving a beloved Starbucks card so your child’s teacher/caregiver can savor some rich coffee to kick start a day or to unwind after a hectic week. Don’t have a local Starbucks? Either opt instead for a local coffee spot or consider ordering a Starbucks card for online use. That way, your teacher can get Starbucks products delivered right to her home!

10. 1001 Best Websites for Educators Book

Open a teacher’s eyes on how to use the web for inspiring activities, lesson plans, software applications, pen pal projects, and much, much more.

11. Amazon Gift Card

Here’s a gift idea that will truly please everyone! An Amazon gift card can be used … for just about anything! And that’s the point! Or, if you don’t think your teacher is an online shoppter, consider instead purchasing a generic one like a Visa gift card or one from a favorite store. Just remember to tuck in a child’s hand-crafted card from the heart and you’re good to go!

12. Mom’s Ultimate Family Organizer

If your child’s teacher or caregiver is a mom as well, consider giving this fun family organizer geared toward moms. It’s touted as “Mom’s Ultimate Family Organizer: A One-Stop Planner for Busy Moms” and is created to handle all those cumbersome papers, appointment cards, contact information, and even notes to the babysitter!

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