Home > Family & Home > Family > Childcare > Malnutrition Impairs U.S. Children’s Health, Behavior Some 13 million children in the United States live in homes with limited access to a sufficient food supply. A new generation of research demonstrates a direct link between inadequate food supply and a poorer overall health status among U.S. children, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Dr. Annrose Guarino. Choosing Child Care Going back to school may mean sending your child to child care. This article tells you what to look for in choosing child care. Helping Children Deal with Disaster Hurricanes have brought crisis into the living rooms of all Americans. Once again, the trauma of such events has struck at the heart of America. Dealing with natural disasters is difficult enough for all to comprehend. The lives of all will be changed forever. It is incredibly more difficult when young people and children are involved and are the victims. Help your child recover from fearfulness following hurricanes (Distributed 09/07/08) A child may continue to be fearful following a hurricane because of the uncertainty of the future. “A child can mix up real fear and make-believe fear. This is OK, and a parent or other care-giver can help in many ways,” says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White.  more articles... Policies That Exclude Sick Children Protect Others [Image: pediatrician with baby] Typically, providers require that children be kept from care for a minimum of 24 hours or until symptoms disappear. 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. Child Care Environment Rating Scales [Image: Child Care] Four environmental rating scales are in use now: (1) Early Childhood Environment, (2) Infant and Toddler Environment, (3) Family Day Care Environment and (4) School-Age Care Environment. (PDF Format Only) Choosing Quality Child Care Checklist [Image: Child Care] One of the most important decisions you have to make as a parent is choosing a child care program. This checklist can assist you in comparing child care options to make the best choice for you and your child. (PDF Format Only) Looking for Child Care? Need Training? [Image: Child Care] Use this state map to locate your contact for assistance or training. (PDF Format Only) Quality Child Care - How do you know if your child is receiving it? [Image: Child Care] 5 Things Parents Can Do to Ensure Quality Care for Their Child (PDF Format Ony) The Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program [Image: Child Care] Do you need help paying your child care? The Louisiana Department of Social Services’ Child Care Assistance Program administers services for families eligible for child care assistance in the state. Information on how to apply included. (PDF Format Only) Types of Child Care [Image: Child Care] Finding just the right child care setting for your child can prove to be a difficult task. Being informed can help make your decision a little easier. (PDF Format Only) Strategies for Helping Youth Cope with Disaster After any disaster, children are most afraid that the event will recur, that they or someone they love will be hurt or killed, that they may be separated from those they love and be left alone. Here are strategies to help caregivers help affected children. Questions & Answers A message board for childcare providers and families seeking childcare. Click for more information...