Parenting Tips
By Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D
For the WHYY Children's Service

Looking for a Good Day Care

With over 70 percent of mothers presumed to be in the workforce at least part time, high quality day-care is becoming a more important need than ever. The recent reports that revealed children who attend day-care may be more aggressive were very misleading. Research shows that the quality of care has significant impact later in life, even for babies. And when children who attended good day-care enter kindergarten, they are likely to be more active, curious, and creative than those who did not.

If you're looking for day-care, here's some questions you should ask:

• Is the day-care licensed, meeting minimum standards by the state for children's health, safety and well-being, and allowing parents to visit at any time? Is the license displayed on the wall?
• What does it cost? How and when do I pay?
• What kind of training or education in child development do the director and staff have?
• Will the caregiver talk with you about your child's day, and talk about solutions to problems your child is having?

Spend a day and observe for yourself?

• Is there enough space and equipment?
• Does the caregiver genuinely enjoy children and take pride in his or her work?
• Is the discipline of the caregiver compatible with yours?
• Does the caregiver emphasize helping the child develop empathy and care and concern for others?

Experts have found that children are at no added risk for academic, social or emotional development in a good day-care. Working moms need not worry about putting their children there.

This may help you decide, if you want a career, that it's not only OK to find a good day care, but the experience may be truly beneficial for your child - while letting you enjoy your career worry-free.