more... > Childcare > Be Child Care Aware > Quality Child Care > 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. Be Child Care Aware: Follow Safety Tips To Ensure Summertime Fun [Image: kids in pool] 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. 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. 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.  more articles... 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Appropriate Toys for Appropriate Ages [Image: child playing with toy in sand] It’s critical for child-care providers to choose wisely because the right toy can stimulate child development. 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. More...