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[image: ] [image: ] [image: ] [image: ] Child Care Aware is a joint project of the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support. This project is a comprehensive public awareness campaign designed to educate Louisiana families and child-care providers about the importance of quality child care for the development of young children. In Louisiana, research indicates a critical need for public awareness education. Specifically, poor families need to be educated on how to identify and secure quality child care for their children. Additionally, parents need to understand the importance of monitoring for quality child care because it correlates with child development outcomes. The Be Child Care Aware public awareness campaign uses media of all types to broadcast the message that quality child care is important. By the end of the project, more than 205,000 individuals will be familiar with Be Child Care Aware. Be Child Care Aware will use seven key types of media to distribute information. Radio public service announcements for broadcasting by radio stations Feature news stories for print Educational displays in public places Educational brochures, one for child-care providers and one for parents Educational presentations for child-care providers and other interested groups Educational information on the Internet via the LSU AgCenter Web site PowerPoint presentations for educating child-care providers and parents about quality child care   more topics   Outdoor Play Provides Rich Environment For Learning Children need to spend time outdoors. This article discusses ways to asses the safety of playgrounds for young children. [Image: caregiver with toddlers]Infants, Toddlers Need Welcoming, Responsive Environment Child-care environments play an important role in the healthy growth and development of infant and toddlers. Since infants and toddlers spend a large portion of their day in routines such as saying hello or good-bye, getting dressed, diapering, toileting and mealtime, the child-care environment should reflect these important shared learning times. The environment provided for infants and toddlers should be welcoming and responsive to both children and their families. Be Child Care Aware: Help Toddlers Learn Not To Bite Biting is a common behavior for children who are one year to two years old – particularly children in group care. [Image: people]Be Child Care Aware! Know What It Takes To Be A Better Consumer of Child Care Shopping for quality child care? There are things you can do to become a better consumer of quality child care and at the same time help your children by providing the very best in caregiving. Child Care Center Director Qualifications - Do You Have What it Takes? Directing a child-care program is exhausting, not to mention complicated, so it is paramount that a dedicated, knowledgeable person oversees these operations. This article will explore some of the many qualifications needed to be an effective child care center director. Understanding Infants, Toddlers May Eliminate Biting Behaviors Toddlers bite because it is a natural part of their growth and development. This article will look at some strategies parents and caregivers alike can implement to prevent biting behavior. Shop For Quality Child Care With more and more parents working and the need for child care increasing, parents need to plan carefully for quality child care for their children. You can do many things to become a better consumer of quality child care, according to LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Don’t Let Child Care Choices Overwhelm You (Distributed July 2006) Choosing the right kind of child care is one of the most daunting tasks any parent will ever have to do. Countless emotions flood a new mother at the mere thought of letting someone else care for her tiny bundle of joy. Many Child-Care Options Available To Suit Family Needs Many families who aren’t quite satisfied with their child care arrangements find August the right time to search for new options, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Be Child Care Aware: Know the Law! Fair Labor Standards For Preschools And Child Care Centers Labor laws sometimes are confusing, and there’s no exception in the case of those for operating child-care centers. Be Child Care Aware: Arm Yourself With Skills To Tackle Terrible Tantrums Temper tantrums aren’t uncommon in young children. The key for adults is learning how to deal with them, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Positive Caregiver-Child Relationships Important In Children’s Development Early childhood education and quality of child care affect children’s social and cognitive development, and attachment to a caregiver can be a positive factor in that development. Field Trips Help Children Learn Through Experiences Young children learn from their experiences. That’s why field trips play an important role in the curriculum for young children involved in day care or school. Encourage Pre-schoolers To Explore, Learn A supportive, nurturing, inviting environment for preschool age children is extremely important in encouraging them to explore and learn. Children learn through their own experiences of trial and error, repetition and imitation. Adults may encourage learning by ensuring that the classroom or day-care environment is appropriate and supports an array of experiences and choices. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Daily Routines Offer Children Security By following a routine and providing a predictable einvironment, children can feel secure in their child care environment and learn that they can trust their caregivers to meet their needs. [Image: blocks]Be Child Care Aware: Building Blocks Help With Foundations Of Early Learning Building blocks can serve as a major foundation in helping children to learn important skills, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Gioe explains that child-care and early childhood educational programs most often arrange their classrooms into a series of "learning centers," and she says the area involving blocks is one of the most important. [Image: Reading to Child Photo]Be Child Care Aware: Reading To Children Helps Develop Important Literacy Skills Literacy activities are an important part of any early childhood curriculum, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe, who says introducing children to literacy occurs in many ways. [Image: kids in pool]Be Child Care Aware: Follow Safety Tips To Ensure Summertime Fun Summer is here, and outdoor play ranks as a favorite activity for most young children. But that means safety also should be a concern for parents and caregivers, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. [Image: kids]What Do Child-Care Licensing, Accreditation Terms Mean? Terms like "Class A," "Class B" or "NAEYC-accredited" provide you, the consumer, with information regarding a child-care program’s operating credentials. [Image: father and son]Know Your Child-care Options There are a variety of child-care settings you can choose from – ranging from child-care centers to in-home care. [Image: family]Program Assists Low-income Families With Child-care Costs The Child Care and Development Fund offers services to families and child-care providers throughout Louisiana. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Caregivers Should Examine Playground Safety Most injuries to young children in school or child-care environments occur outdoors, so playground safety definitely should be a concern in a child-care setting. Approximately 40 percent of the outdoor injuries to children are due to poor adult supervision," says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. "That means supervision is an essential component of playground safety." Starting A Child-care Program – Things To Think About Caring for children can be an exciting and rewarding field, but it’s also a huge responsibility, so an LSU AgCenter child-care associate says there are many factors to consider before starting a child-care business. Appropriate Toys for Appropriate Ages It’s critical for child-care providers to choose wisely because the right toy can stimulate child development. Be Child Care Aware: Child Care Important Industry, Economic Factor For State Child care may not be what comes to mind when you think of economic development or the state’s major industries, but a recent study by experts from two Louisiana universities shows significant contributions. Infants, Toddlers Need Environment That’s Welcoming, Responsive Infants and toddlers need environments that are welcoming and responsive. Local Agencies Help Families Make Informed Decisions About Child Care Child Care Resource and Referral Programs provide free assistance to families who are actively searching for care and need help with making informed decisions about the best care for their children. Policies That Exclude Sick Children Protect Others Child-care programs have sick child policies in place for the safety and protection of the children they serve. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Check Written Policies Of Child-Care Providers It is important to ask about all the policies a child-care center may have in place, and if they are fulfilling all requirements mandated by state law. Be Child Care Aware: Good Nutrition Important For Young Children Nutrition plays an important role in a child’s physical and mental growth, as well as his or her future health, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Be Child Care Aware: Children Take Risks, Accidents Happen There is no doubt that children are born risk takers, and that risk-taking characteristic is one of the most frightening aspects of their growth and development, because as children are allowed to take risks, accidents and incidents increase, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Programs Can Help You Make Good Decisions About Child Care Programs exist to help families make better decisions about child care, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Known as Child Care Resource and Referral Programs, these local agencies provide free assistance to families who are actively searching for care and need help with making informed decisions about the best care for their children, Gioe explains. Quality Caregiver Makes Difference; Know What To Look For To assist in making decisions about quality child care, parents can look for certain personal traits when selecting a caregiver for their child. Children Succeed When Parents Become Involved In Education, Development Children succeed more when parents are more involved in education. Early Childhood Curriculum Can Involve Activities, Specific Teaching Early childhood curriculum can involve a variety of activities and specific teaching approach. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Visiting Child-care Program Can Calm Concerns Choosing to place your child in the care of someone else while you work often is a decision that comes with a lot of emotion and concern – frequently brought on by unfamiliarity of what happens in the child-care setting. Training A Must For All Child-Care Providers A look at how early care providers' education levels affect the overall quality of child care. Appropriate Environments Ensure Safe, Healthy Children One of the most important roles parents and caregivers serve is to ensure that the children entrusted to them thrive in healthy and safe environments. State Sets Policies that Protect Children Choosing to place your child in the care of someone else while you work often is a decision that comes with a lot of emotion and concern – frequently brought on by unfamiliarity of what happens in the child-care setting. Child Safety in the Garden Spending time in the landscape with children, especially young ones, requires adults to pay careful attention. Just as you would childproof an indoor room, it’s important to take safety precautions in the yard to keep young ones safe. Be Child Care Aware: Software Selection Integral To Positive Computer Use Experiences Although some early childhood educators still have doubts about the importance of computer use by preschool-age children, the argument really is a moot point, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe, who says the reality is that children are steadily gaining access to computers in homes, child-care centers and schools. Be Child Care Aware - Parents The LSU AgCenter’s “Be Child Care Aware!” educational program is designed to educate parents and child-care providers about quality childcare. This brochure is filled with tips about getting quality childcare for their children. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Tax Relief Available for Child, Dependent Care Costs Child care is very expensive, but there is some tax relief available to help with that burden. Make Mealtimes Work, But Don’t Fret About It As children grow and develop so do their opinions about foods – what should be eaten, how to eat it and a host of other issues. The challenge is not to panic or worry as these changes occur. Changing Classes Can Be Stressful For Children Some of the most stressful times children experience come when they move from one classroom to another. There are many things parents and caregivers can do to facilitate a smooth move from one classroom to another. Several Factors Come Into Play When Selecting Quality Child Care A variety of factors should be considered when parents are attempting to find quality child care for their children. While cost and convenience are important considerations, parents should also consider their children’s ages, abilities, interests and personalities. Beliefs and attitudes about education, training, child guidance, nutrition and health are also major considerations. Kiss Those Toilet Tantrums Goodbye Toilet training, which can be frustrating for children, parents and child-care providers, should be viewed as a learning process. Caregiver Education Increases Child-care Quality Research indicates that quality caregiving is directly related to the education that a caregiver receives. The Louisiana Pathways Child-Care Career Development System is a statewide training registry database for participants, a trainer certification system for trainers, career "ladders" for caregivers and child-care administrators and scholarships to help child-care professionals achieve their career goals. Be Child Care Aware! Quality Caregiver Makes Difference; Know What To Look For A quality caregiver makes all the difference during the early years of a child’s development, so parents need to look for indications of quality when entrusting their children to others, says LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Be Child Care Aware! Several Factors Come Into Play When Selecting Quality Childcare A variety of factors should be considered when parents are attempting to find quality child care for their offspring. Quality Early Care Essential For Healthy Development An increasing body of research shows that quality child-care and educational programs early in a child’s life has a profound impact on their development. Resolve Conflicts Over Child Care in a Healthy Manner Conflict is going to occur in any relationship – particularly those involving the care of children. The important thing is resolving conflicts in a healthy manner. Multicultural Curricula Foster Respect of Others Early care and education programs should offer a multicultural curriculum. Keeping Sick Children Out Of Child-care Centers Protects Others Parents who depend on child-care centers need to know the policies of their center and to keep in mind that those policies are designed to keep disease outbreaks from spreading to all children. Be Child Care Aware: Changing Classes Can Be Stressful For Children Some of the most stressful times children experience come when they move from one classroom to another, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Make Sure Children Are Receiving Quality Care One way to ensure those things are happening is to plan a surprise visit to your child’s child-care center to observe the conditions. Here are a few things the LSU AgCenter expert says to consider looking for and inquiring about on such a visit. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Planning Healthy Menus Helps Ensure Healthy Children Planning healthy menus to help ensure healthy children. Federal Programs Help Make Child Care Affordable Federal programs such as the Child and Adult Care Food Program and WIC assist families in receiving nutritious meals for their children. Be Child Care Aware: Caregiver Education Increases Child-care Quality One of the indicators of quality child care is the educational level of caregivers. Unfortunately, Louisiana child caregivers rank as some of the least-educated providers in the nation, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Be Child Care Aware: Week Celebrates Children, Families, Opportunities Hundreds of organizations around the country will celebrate the Week of the Young Child April 3-9, 2005. Be Child Care Aware: Tax Relief Available For Child, Dependent Care Costs Child care is very expensive, but there is some tax relief available to help with that burden, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Be Child Care Aware: Variety Of Programs Available Through State Department The Louisiana Department of Social Services offers a variety of programs designed to help children and families – particularly in the area of ensuring quality child care is available. Be Child Care Aware: Can You Recognize Appropriate Toys? Parents and grandparents often face the challenge of deciding what toys are appropriate for their children or grandchildren. The same thing is true of child-care providers seeking new toys for their child-care centers. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Be Child Care Aware: Quality Early Care Essential For Healthy Development An increasing body of research shows that quality child-care and educational programs early in a child’s life has a profound impact on their development, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Be Child Care Aware: Keeping Sick Children Out Of Child-care Centers Protects Others Policies that exclude sick children from child-care centers may seem like a hassle to a working parent with a sick child, but those policies are put in place to protect other children, says LSU AgCenter expert Cheri Gioe. Be Child Care Aware: Know Your Child-care Options Are you in the market for child care? Do you want to find just the right setting for your child, but you don't know enough about the all options to choose one? It may be time for some expert advice. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10