In-home Daycare has its Advantages By LIZ MCCUE liz.mccue@nptelegraph.com
ness training, classes on early learning, social development.
For some, starting an in-home daycare is a means of being able to bring in a second income while staying at home with a growing family. For others, it’s the realization of a life-long love of helping young children develop before starting kindergarten. For parents, in-home daycares offer a more familial setting where children are given one-on-one attention, can develop their social skills in a small group and receive preschool education like learning letters and basic words.
"It’s a lot, but as long as there are things I think that I’m learning," Lund said.
Linda Lund has run a daycare from her home, called Linda’s House, for just under 30 years. Her youngest child is now 34, but she said she doesn’t even want to think about retirement. "You get so invested," Lund said. She’s kept up with them through high school graduations, takes care of siblings, watches the children of children she watched 25 years ago. She enjoys the challenges that come with looking after children, some infants, some just shy of starting kindergarten. During
She said a lot has changed within the last year – new requirements for liabilit y insurance, developing evacuation plans in the event of a fire or tornado, collecting immunization records for the children, getting a physical for herself and her husband. All documented into one large binder. But they are provided with lists of requirements from the state for preschool education, and receive newsletters with updates from the Educational Service Units. Rose Mull, owner of Rainbow’s End daycare, sits on the floor with Eden, pretty in pink, Justin, in the saucer chair and Mason, the oldest of the children she looks after. One room over, the other children nap to the sounds of classical music. Mull has been running a daycare from her home for 13 years. Now, only her oldest son lives in the home as he attends college – she, her husband and her younger son live in a home built near Fort MacPherson Cemetery.
the summers, she takes on older siblings with the help of an assistant, currently a high school junior. Rose Mull started an in-home daycare, called Rainbow’s End, when she was pregnant with her second son. He is now 13, and her oldest attends classes at North Platte Communit y College. Both will help with the daycare if she needs it. Teaching preschool education has changed a lot since her sons went through school, she said. In-home daycare providers have to take classes mandated by the state on providing education in the creative arts, math, science. They teach letters and word recognition. "I don’t want to see any of the kids struggle in school," Mull said. Mull said providers themselves take 12 hours of continuous education classes each year. Lund enjoys the classes. In-home providers have to take busi-
If any of the providers have questions, there is a co-op of providers, Mull said. North Platte has over a dozen in-home providers, and there is communication between everyone to keep prices steady and to let clients know that if one provider doesn’t have an opening, another might. With an in-home daycare, Mull said it is nice to be able to "kind of get to cherry pick" children that will get along with each other. During the school year, both she and Lund will take about eight children to care for. Many return each year, sometimes with siblings. Lund said she cares for three sets of siblings right now. In the smaller setting, though, she sees many of the children become close with friends, too. Some become inseparable, even as they leave the daycare for kindergarten together. "They’re excited to see all their friends," Mull said. It isn’t just a curriculum and familial environment that in-home daycares have to provide. Before getting started, Lund said, the fire marshal has to determine a home is safe in the event of a fire. She had to change the playground in her backyard to have soft mats – other providers can use grass or small rocks. In-home daycare providers also have to supply a meal plan. Mull used to work at the North Platte Community Daycare when she was going to college. She said there is a lot more creativity needed to be an in-home provider than just an employee. You’re the director, Mull said, and the bookkeeper, janitor, cook and more. But both women say it’s worth all the work to help children. "I really like being with children," Lund said.
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NP Community Day Care By HEATHER JOHNSON hjohnson@nptelegraph.com Quality care and flexible hours make the North Platte Community Day Care Center a popular option for working parents. Located at 1210 S. Ash St., the facility can serve up to 125 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Railroaders, doctors and nurses are just some of the many shift workers who take advantage of the facility’s early morning and late night availability. "It also helps that we’re right across the street from the hospital," said director Vona Koch. "We are centrally located near the mall and restaurants and not far from downtown, which makes it easy for parents to drop off their kids on their way to work, eat or shop." The not-for-profit day care was started more than 40 years ago. It was created by a group of community members in 1971 in the basement of the First Baptist Church, then moved to its current location in 2002.
How to Select a Babysitter Hiring a babysitter can be a difficult decision for many families. For the first several years of their children's lives, many parents only trust themselves or direct family members to take care of their kids. But most parents must eventually rely on babysitters to look after their children.
The center’s slogan is, "Growing the community one child at a time," and it has remained true to that by improving and expanding its programming over the years. "We offer a warm, caring and stimulating environment that promotes intellectual and emotional growth," Koch said. "We have a thematic-based curriculum, which means every week or two weeks there is a theme that lesson plans are developed around."
Selecting a babysitter is not something to take lightly. Putting your child into the care of another person requires trust and careful vetting of that person.
Koch said each theme is designed to encourage cognitive, cultural, social and emotional development.
The best place to begin looking for a babysitter is within your own community. Churches, preschools and a network of friends can usually yield suggestions for potential babysitters. An older child of a close friend is often a person to consider. Otherwise, ask around at your child's day care center or preschool. Some teachers watch children as a side job, while others may offer recommendations. A school that conducts background checks on their employees as well as screens them for drug use and illnesses can take much of the work out of the vetting process for you. As a parent, you may simply need to call up some of the sitter's references to validate his or her claims of responsibility.
"All of our classrooms incorporate daily reading to the kids," Koch said. "We feel that’s very important." Other educational activities are also offered on a regular basis in the classrooms. Those include "circle time," music, art and sensory activities to help develop coordination and perception. "We have regular preschool classes for the 3-, 4- and 5year-olds," Koch said. "There are craft activities for all ages, including the teeny tots, who do things to improve eye and hand coordination." Babies also have the chance to improve cognitive and motor skills thanks to specially designed play equipment. That includes two interactive foam mats, a round device kids can crawl in and on and tubes full of feathers, bells and balls. As a precaution, the floor of the toddler playground is lay-
CHILD CARE: DAY CARE SAFETY CHECKLIST • Child-to-staff ratio of 3:1 in a center caring for infants, 4:1 for 2-year-olds, and 7:1 for 3-year-olds. • Children should be supervised at all times. • Dedicated, friendly caregivers who are trained in child development, early-childhood education, or a related field
Libby Baez rocks Haizlee Jensen in the infant room of the North Platte Community Daycare Center on Tuesday. The infants play on special equipment designed to enhance their cognitive and motor skills.
ered in rubber mats. Shade covers on all the playgrounds keep children cool and reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Kids stay safe thanks to 24-hour security systems. There are cameras in every room, and visitors to the day care must ring a doorbell before entering the facility. No one can pick up a child without first being recognized through thumbprint identification.
• Diapering area separate from children's play areas • Perishable food refrigerated • Cleaning supplies and other toxic materials in locked cabinet • Easily accessible first-aid kit and posted emergency numbers • Electrical outlets covered with protective caps
• Center that's licensed and regularly inspected for health and cleanliness
• Security gates at top and bottom of stairs
• Written policy on caring for ill children
• Window guards on all windows except designated fire exits
• Limited or no TV viewing
• Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
• Safe sleep and play environments
• All outside play areas enclosed; soft surfaces under all equipment
• Clean toys in good condition with no sharp edges
• An emergency evacuation plan
The next step is to interview a sitter and see how he or she interacts with your child or children. Ask questions at this point, finding out if the sitter is trained in CPR and first aid and if the sitter completed any courses in handling medical emergencies or other potentially sticky medical situations. Be sure to ask about experience watching particular age groups as well. Discuss your rules with the sitter, including bed times, food restrictions, policy on visitors, use of certain appliances and use of social media or digital devices while babysitting. The babysitter should understand all of your requirements and agree to them readily before being offered the job. Once a babysitter has been selected, have the sitter come to the house roughly 30 minutes before you decide to leave. This time gives your children time to grow acclimated to the sitter's presence, and it gives you the chance to answer any questions the sitter may have. Leave emergency phone numbers as well as details on how you can be reached and where you are going. You may want to inform a close neighbor that you are having a sitter watch the kids and find out if he or she can be
available in case of an emergency. You will probably be anxious the first time you leave your children with a sitter. Call home several times to check on things and reassure yourself that all is well. When you return home, ask the sitter how things went. Talk about situations you know may have been a problem, such as a reluctance for the kids to go to sleep. Reassuring the sitter that these behaviors are not a reflection on his or her skills as a sitter will make the babysitter feel more comfortable and secure. Some parents feel better by using a nanny cam to keep a close watch on the situation at home. This is a personal preference and may not be necessary unless you suspect something is awry. In such instances, it is better to look for a new sitter instead. Your children can tell you if they liked the sitter and if they felt comfortable with him or her. Kids who appear reluctant to be around the sitter or who exhibit a strong desire for their parents to stay home should raise some red flags. However, if you've done your research and have found someone you believe to be a reliable and safe sitter, there should be no problems.
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Who’s Taking Care of Junior? By MIKAYLA WISEMAN mikayla.wiseman @nptelegraph.com
ing for a provider early and to always visit the potential options in person to assess the environment. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services lists the following as factors to consider:
With a child comes an infinite number of responsibilities. They require a parent’s constant supervision, whether feeding, playing, teaching or making sure little hands don’t delve too far into the cookie jar. Being a guardian of a child means never clocking out of a job. But with other adult duties still looming, what can parents do to ensure their child is being cared Treyce Trembly crawls through a caterpillar tunnel at Jack and Jill for at all times? Day Care Center and Preschool, while baby Blayke smiles warmly at an employee in the background. Owner and director Tiffany Finding a suitable caregiver is a Brosius started the center so she would have a place where she necessary but daunting task for trusted leaving her children. many parents. Some get by
with alternating shifts between family members. However, most parents have no choice but to place their trust in a baby sitter or day care center. North Platte is home to several day care centers and an even greater number of private providers, so finding just the right one can be a challenge. Nina McGuire, local supervisor with Healthy Families America, believes it is critical to start look-
Adult-to-child ratio. The fewer the children for each adult, the more attention your child will receive, and the younger your child is, the more important this is, according to Vona Koch, director of North Platte Community Day Care.
8 Tips for Choosing Child Care Courtesy of Parents.com Whether you choose a formal child-care center, family day care, or in-home care, there are some basic things you should know and insist upon. To help you make this allimportant decision, we've talked to mothers and other experts who have been in the child-care trenches. Here are eight ways to size up a child-care option:
1. Look down. When you're visiting a potential site, pay attention to how the staff "There are all kinds of studies about the first five years [of a child’s life] and how important it is for their development," Koch says. "Safety and supervision are big issues for infants, especially if they’re in a mixed group setting." At North Platte Community Day Care, there is a 1-to-4 adult-to-infant ratio, and records are also kept on each baby so parents have reassurance of their child’s activities throughout the day. Qualifications. Caregivers with special training or a background in working with children will be more helpful in facilitating your child’s care and education. Centers and sitters that are actively involved in improving their skills, such as by attending workshops or receiving periodic training, are invested in a child’s growth. Tiffany Brosius, owner and director of Jack and Jill Day Care Center and Preschool, encourages her staff to go above and beyond with their training. Almost all of her caregivers are CPR certified, and they complete 30-plus hours of yearly training as a team — well over the required 12 hours. Turnover. Switching between caregivers can be difficult and stressful for both parent and child. A caregiver who has been practicing for a longer period of time tends to be more reliable and allows a relationship to develop between the caregiver and the family. McGuire encourages parents to know the people working with their child to ensure stimulation occurs in all aspects — physical, emotional and intellectual. Accreditation. A facility or provider that has been licensed — especially by a national organization, such as Education of Young Children or National Association for Family Child Care — has already met the requirements of providing a safe and healthy environment for children. "Parents have a tough decision to make," Koch says. "Is the facility open during the hours they’re needed? Are slots even available? They want to feel good when they leave their child and they need to feel like when they leave, their child is safe and being cared for." Even after making a choice, the work isn’t over. A parent forms a partnership with the child’s caregiver that requires long-term involvement from both parties. Parents should feel as welcome at a facility as their child, and communication with a provider is a vital aspect of ensuring the healthy development of a child. To Brosius, a provider-parent relationship is of utmost importance. "Parents need to trust who they are leaving their kids with. That’s why I founded Jack and Jill. Communication is key, so I require my caregivers to greet parents and know their names. The door should always be open." At the end of the day, a provider should be a nurturing influence who can facilitate a child’s development when a parent is away at work. A provider’s job is not only to feed and entertain a child in his or her parents’ absence but to give the child the day-to-day opportunity for growth. "I don’t think you can underestimate the value of positive parent-child relationship," McGuire says, commenting on how a child’s face lights up when Mom and Dad come to pick them up. "But with a day care center, there is a structure that is going to meet the developmental goals for the child. They need a nurturing person, and sometimes a child care provider is that nurturing person." while on the job.
interacts with the children. Ideally, a caregiver should be on the floor playing with the kids or holding one on her lap. In their early years, babies need close, loving, interactive relationships with adults in order to thrive. That's why it's especially important that babies' first caregivers be warm and responsive, and that even in group care, infants and older babies get a healthy dose of one-on-one time. (Though individual states set their own staffing ratios for child-care facilities, the American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends a ratio of one adult for every three babies up to 24 months of age.)
such as the number of diapers he went through, when he napped, and if he seemed happy overall. It's always preferable to speak to the caregiver in person. If that's not possible, ask if there's a convenient time to phone, perhaps at nap time.
6. Problem-solve pronto. It's inevitable that you'll experience conflicts with your caregiver, both large and small. Address problems right away rather than ignoring them until they grow out of proportion. Some issues can be resolved quickly; others may require more discussion. Whatever the conflict, treat the caregiver in a respectful manner, but don't be afraid to speak up, says Deborah Borchers, MD, a pediatrician in private practice in Cincinnati. When broaching a difficult subject, ask the caregiver's opinion, and hear her out. As the parent, you have the final word with an in-home caregiver, but you're more likely to elicit cooperation if the caregiver knows she has been heard. For example, instead of demanding an earlier nap time to make bedtime easier, ask the caregiver if she has ideas about how to adjust your baby's schedule so he won't grow so overtired in the evening.
7. Trust your gut. Every parent knows when something doesn't feel quite right. You 2. Ask for a commitment. Babies need consistent, predictable care. It helps may be turned off by a center everyone in town raves about or clash with a highly them to form a secure attachment to their caregivers, according to Debra K. Shatoff, a family therapist in private practice in St. Louis. If you're looking at an in-home caregiver, request that the person you're considering make a one-year commitment to the job. If you're considering a center, find out how long the current caregivers have been working there and how much turnover the center usually experiences.
3. Do a policy check. Find out whether you share parenting philosophies on topics such as discipline (Do the caregivers use time-outs, scoldings?); television (Is the TV on all day or used sparingly, if at all?); feeding (What snacks or drinks are provided for older babies?); sleeping (When are naps offered? How are fussy babies put to sleep?); and so forth. Inquire about the sick-child policy (What symptoms prevent a child from attending?). Also ask whether there's a backup plan should the family day-care provider or in-home caregiver get sick and be unable to work. The more questions you ask early on, the less likely you are to be unpleasantly surprised later.
recommended sitter. If that happens, keep searching. Babies deserve, and thrive under, good, nurturing care. If something just doesn't feel right about your situation, investigate other options.
8. Be open to change. You're not married to a particular person or situation, and if things don't work out, you can always make a switch. Yes, you want consistency for your baby, but that doesn't mean you can't alter arrangements. Babies are resilient; as long as they're having a positive experience with their new caregiver, they'll be just fine, points out Dr. Shatoff. No matter what your work hours, you are still your child's essential caregiver -- the most consistent source of love and support in her life. Under your care and guidance, along with the help of your well-chosen caregivers, your baby will flourish and grow into a happy, healthy child.
4. Drop by and spy. While word-of-mouth referrals from other parents or trusted The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not resources are important, you need to look at a place for yourself to assess whether it meets your needs. Of course, any child-care environment should be kept clean, childproofed, and well stocked with sturdy books and toys that are age-appropriate. Other details to consider: When older children share the space, toys with small parts (choking hazards) should be kept away from younger babies. Ideally, infants and babies should have their own area where they won't get "loved" too much by older toddlers. A room or separate area dedicated solely to swings and bouncers may look appealing at first glance, but keep in mind that growing babies need plenty of floor time to develop and strengthen their muscles. If possible, try to visit the same centers at different times of the day to get a sense of how the staff interacts with the children and what the routine is. You may want to consider popping in unannounced a few times after you've enrolled your child, just to see how things are going. Sometimes your visits will confirm that the place is right for you, but sometimes they'll be a real eye-opener.
5. Keep talking. Until your baby can talk, you will be relying on what the caregiver tells you about your child's day. Make sure you can communicate comfortably with each other. When you first hand off your child in the morning, you should tell the caregiver how your little one slept the night before, if he is teething, and whether he ate breakfast. At the end of the day you'll want to know similar information,
intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
5 • PEACE OF MIND
PEACE OF MIND
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Who’s Taking Care of Junior? By MIKAYLA WISEMAN mikayla.wiseman @nptelegraph.com
ing for a provider early and to always visit the potential options in person to assess the environment. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services lists the following as factors to consider:
With a child comes an infinite number of responsibilities. They require a parent’s constant supervision, whether feeding, playing, teaching or making sure little hands don’t delve too far into the cookie jar. Being a guardian of a child means never clocking out of a job. But with other adult duties still looming, what can parents do to ensure their child is being cared Treyce Trembly crawls through a caterpillar tunnel at Jack and Jill for at all times? Day Care Center and Preschool, while baby Blayke smiles warmly at an employee in the background. Owner and director Tiffany Finding a suitable caregiver is a Brosius started the center so she would have a place where she necessary but daunting task for trusted leaving her children. many parents. Some get by
with alternating shifts between family members. However, most parents have no choice but to place their trust in a baby sitter or day care center. North Platte is home to several day care centers and an even greater number of private providers, so finding just the right one can be a challenge. Nina McGuire, local supervisor with Healthy Families America, believes it is critical to start look-
Adult-to-child ratio. The fewer the children for each adult, the more attention your child will receive, and the younger your child is, the more important this is, according to Vona Koch, director of North Platte Community Day Care.
8 Tips for Choosing Child Care Courtesy of Parents.com Whether you choose a formal child-care center, family day care, or in-home care, there are some basic things you should know and insist upon. To help you make this allimportant decision, we've talked to mothers and other experts who have been in the child-care trenches. Here are eight ways to size up a child-care option:
1. Look down. When you're visiting a potential site, pay attention to how the staff "There are all kinds of studies about the first five years [of a child’s life] and how important it is for their development," Koch says. "Safety and supervision are big issues for infants, especially if they’re in a mixed group setting." At North Platte Community Day Care, there is a 1-to-4 adult-to-infant ratio, and records are also kept on each baby so parents have reassurance of their child’s activities throughout the day. Qualifications. Caregivers with special training or a background in working with children will be more helpful in facilitating your child’s care and education. Centers and sitters that are actively involved in improving their skills, such as by attending workshops or receiving periodic training, are invested in a child’s growth. Tiffany Brosius, owner and director of Jack and Jill Day Care Center and Preschool, encourages her staff to go above and beyond with their training. Almost all of her caregivers are CPR certified, and they complete 30-plus hours of yearly training as a team — well over the required 12 hours. Turnover. Switching between caregivers can be difficult and stressful for both parent and child. A caregiver who has been practicing for a longer period of time tends to be more reliable and allows a relationship to develop between the caregiver and the family. McGuire encourages parents to know the people working with their child to ensure stimulation occurs in all aspects — physical, emotional and intellectual. Accreditation. A facility or provider that has been licensed — especially by a national organization, such as Education of Young Children or National Association for Family Child Care — has already met the requirements of providing a safe and healthy environment for children. "Parents have a tough decision to make," Koch says. "Is the facility open during the hours they’re needed? Are slots even available? They want to feel good when they leave their child and they need to feel like when they leave, their child is safe and being cared for." Even after making a choice, the work isn’t over. A parent forms a partnership with the child’s caregiver that requires long-term involvement from both parties. Parents should feel as welcome at a facility as their child, and communication with a provider is a vital aspect of ensuring the healthy development of a child. To Brosius, a provider-parent relationship is of utmost importance. "Parents need to trust who they are leaving their kids with. That’s why I founded Jack and Jill. Communication is key, so I require my caregivers to greet parents and know their names. The door should always be open." At the end of the day, a provider should be a nurturing influence who can facilitate a child’s development when a parent is away at work. A provider’s job is not only to feed and entertain a child in his or her parents’ absence but to give the child the day-to-day opportunity for growth. "I don’t think you can underestimate the value of positive parent-child relationship," McGuire says, commenting on how a child’s face lights up when Mom and Dad come to pick them up. "But with a day care center, there is a structure that is going to meet the developmental goals for the child. They need a nurturing person, and sometimes a child care provider is that nurturing person." while on the job.
interacts with the children. Ideally, a caregiver should be on the floor playing with the kids or holding one on her lap. In their early years, babies need close, loving, interactive relationships with adults in order to thrive. That's why it's especially important that babies' first caregivers be warm and responsive, and that even in group care, infants and older babies get a healthy dose of one-on-one time. (Though individual states set their own staffing ratios for child-care facilities, the American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends a ratio of one adult for every three babies up to 24 months of age.)
such as the number of diapers he went through, when he napped, and if he seemed happy overall. It's always preferable to speak to the caregiver in person. If that's not possible, ask if there's a convenient time to phone, perhaps at nap time.
6. Problem-solve pronto. It's inevitable that you'll experience conflicts with your caregiver, both large and small. Address problems right away rather than ignoring them until they grow out of proportion. Some issues can be resolved quickly; others may require more discussion. Whatever the conflict, treat the caregiver in a respectful manner, but don't be afraid to speak up, says Deborah Borchers, MD, a pediatrician in private practice in Cincinnati. When broaching a difficult subject, ask the caregiver's opinion, and hear her out. As the parent, you have the final word with an in-home caregiver, but you're more likely to elicit cooperation if the caregiver knows she has been heard. For example, instead of demanding an earlier nap time to make bedtime easier, ask the caregiver if she has ideas about how to adjust your baby's schedule so he won't grow so overtired in the evening.
7. Trust your gut. Every parent knows when something doesn't feel quite right. You 2. Ask for a commitment. Babies need consistent, predictable care. It helps may be turned off by a center everyone in town raves about or clash with a highly them to form a secure attachment to their caregivers, according to Debra K. Shatoff, a family therapist in private practice in St. Louis. If you're looking at an in-home caregiver, request that the person you're considering make a one-year commitment to the job. If you're considering a center, find out how long the current caregivers have been working there and how much turnover the center usually experiences.
3. Do a policy check. Find out whether you share parenting philosophies on topics such as discipline (Do the caregivers use time-outs, scoldings?); television (Is the TV on all day or used sparingly, if at all?); feeding (What snacks or drinks are provided for older babies?); sleeping (When are naps offered? How are fussy babies put to sleep?); and so forth. Inquire about the sick-child policy (What symptoms prevent a child from attending?). Also ask whether there's a backup plan should the family day-care provider or in-home caregiver get sick and be unable to work. The more questions you ask early on, the less likely you are to be unpleasantly surprised later.
recommended sitter. If that happens, keep searching. Babies deserve, and thrive under, good, nurturing care. If something just doesn't feel right about your situation, investigate other options.
8. Be open to change. You're not married to a particular person or situation, and if things don't work out, you can always make a switch. Yes, you want consistency for your baby, but that doesn't mean you can't alter arrangements. Babies are resilient; as long as they're having a positive experience with their new caregiver, they'll be just fine, points out Dr. Shatoff. No matter what your work hours, you are still your child's essential caregiver -- the most consistent source of love and support in her life. Under your care and guidance, along with the help of your well-chosen caregivers, your baby will flourish and grow into a happy, healthy child.
4. Drop by and spy. While word-of-mouth referrals from other parents or trusted The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not resources are important, you need to look at a place for yourself to assess whether it meets your needs. Of course, any child-care environment should be kept clean, childproofed, and well stocked with sturdy books and toys that are age-appropriate. Other details to consider: When older children share the space, toys with small parts (choking hazards) should be kept away from younger babies. Ideally, infants and babies should have their own area where they won't get "loved" too much by older toddlers. A room or separate area dedicated solely to swings and bouncers may look appealing at first glance, but keep in mind that growing babies need plenty of floor time to develop and strengthen their muscles. If possible, try to visit the same centers at different times of the day to get a sense of how the staff interacts with the children and what the routine is. You may want to consider popping in unannounced a few times after you've enrolled your child, just to see how things are going. Sometimes your visits will confirm that the place is right for you, but sometimes they'll be a real eye-opener.
5. Keep talking. Until your baby can talk, you will be relying on what the caregiver tells you about your child's day. Make sure you can communicate comfortably with each other. When you first hand off your child in the morning, you should tell the caregiver how your little one slept the night before, if he is teething, and whether he ate breakfast. At the end of the day you'll want to know similar information,
intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
5 • PEACE OF MIND
PEACE OF MIND
4 •
NP Community Day Care By HEATHER JOHNSON hjohnson@nptelegraph.com Quality care and flexible hours make the North Platte Community Day Care Center a popular option for working parents. Located at 1210 S. Ash St., the facility can serve up to 125 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Railroaders, doctors and nurses are just some of the many shift workers who take advantage of the facility’s early morning and late night availability. "It also helps that we’re right across the street from the hospital," said director Vona Koch. "We are centrally located near the mall and restaurants and not far from downtown, which makes it easy for parents to drop off their kids on their way to work, eat or shop." The not-for-profit day care was started more than 40 years ago. It was created by a group of community members in 1971 in the basement of the First Baptist Church, then moved to its current location in 2002.
How to Select a Babysitter Hiring a babysitter can be a difficult decision for many families. For the first several years of their children's lives, many parents only trust themselves or direct family members to take care of their kids. But most parents must eventually rely on babysitters to look after their children.
The center’s slogan is, "Growing the community one child at a time," and it has remained true to that by improving and expanding its programming over the years. "We offer a warm, caring and stimulating environment that promotes intellectual and emotional growth," Koch said. "We have a thematic-based curriculum, which means every week or two weeks there is a theme that lesson plans are developed around."
Selecting a babysitter is not something to take lightly. Putting your child into the care of another person requires trust and careful vetting of that person.
Koch said each theme is designed to encourage cognitive, cultural, social and emotional development.
The best place to begin looking for a babysitter is within your own community. Churches, preschools and a network of friends can usually yield suggestions for potential babysitters. An older child of a close friend is often a person to consider. Otherwise, ask around at your child's day care center or preschool. Some teachers watch children as a side job, while others may offer recommendations. A school that conducts background checks on their employees as well as screens them for drug use and illnesses can take much of the work out of the vetting process for you. As a parent, you may simply need to call up some of the sitter's references to validate his or her claims of responsibility.
"All of our classrooms incorporate daily reading to the kids," Koch said. "We feel that’s very important." Other educational activities are also offered on a regular basis in the classrooms. Those include "circle time," music, art and sensory activities to help develop coordination and perception. "We have regular preschool classes for the 3-, 4- and 5year-olds," Koch said. "There are craft activities for all ages, including the teeny tots, who do things to improve eye and hand coordination." Babies also have the chance to improve cognitive and motor skills thanks to specially designed play equipment. That includes two interactive foam mats, a round device kids can crawl in and on and tubes full of feathers, bells and balls. As a precaution, the floor of the toddler playground is lay-
CHILD CARE: DAY CARE SAFETY CHECKLIST • Child-to-staff ratio of 3:1 in a center caring for infants, 4:1 for 2-year-olds, and 7:1 for 3-year-olds. • Children should be supervised at all times. • Dedicated, friendly caregivers who are trained in child development, early-childhood education, or a related field
Libby Baez rocks Haizlee Jensen in the infant room of the North Platte Community Daycare Center on Tuesday. The infants play on special equipment designed to enhance their cognitive and motor skills.
ered in rubber mats. Shade covers on all the playgrounds keep children cool and reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Kids stay safe thanks to 24-hour security systems. There are cameras in every room, and visitors to the day care must ring a doorbell before entering the facility. No one can pick up a child without first being recognized through thumbprint identification.
• Diapering area separate from children's play areas • Perishable food refrigerated • Cleaning supplies and other toxic materials in locked cabinet • Easily accessible first-aid kit and posted emergency numbers • Electrical outlets covered with protective caps
• Center that's licensed and regularly inspected for health and cleanliness
• Security gates at top and bottom of stairs
• Written policy on caring for ill children
• Window guards on all windows except designated fire exits
• Limited or no TV viewing
• Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
• Safe sleep and play environments
• All outside play areas enclosed; soft surfaces under all equipment
• Clean toys in good condition with no sharp edges
• An emergency evacuation plan
The next step is to interview a sitter and see how he or she interacts with your child or children. Ask questions at this point, finding out if the sitter is trained in CPR and first aid and if the sitter completed any courses in handling medical emergencies or other potentially sticky medical situations. Be sure to ask about experience watching particular age groups as well. Discuss your rules with the sitter, including bed times, food restrictions, policy on visitors, use of certain appliances and use of social media or digital devices while babysitting. The babysitter should understand all of your requirements and agree to them readily before being offered the job. Once a babysitter has been selected, have the sitter come to the house roughly 30 minutes before you decide to leave. This time gives your children time to grow acclimated to the sitter's presence, and it gives you the chance to answer any questions the sitter may have. Leave emergency phone numbers as well as details on how you can be reached and where you are going. You may want to inform a close neighbor that you are having a sitter watch the kids and find out if he or she can be
available in case of an emergency. You will probably be anxious the first time you leave your children with a sitter. Call home several times to check on things and reassure yourself that all is well. When you return home, ask the sitter how things went. Talk about situations you know may have been a problem, such as a reluctance for the kids to go to sleep. Reassuring the sitter that these behaviors are not a reflection on his or her skills as a sitter will make the babysitter feel more comfortable and secure. Some parents feel better by using a nanny cam to keep a close watch on the situation at home. This is a personal preference and may not be necessary unless you suspect something is awry. In such instances, it is better to look for a new sitter instead. Your children can tell you if they liked the sitter and if they felt comfortable with him or her. Kids who appear reluctant to be around the sitter or who exhibit a strong desire for their parents to stay home should raise some red flags. However, if you've done your research and have found someone you believe to be a reliable and safe sitter, there should be no problems.
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In-home Daycare has its Advantages By LIZ MCCUE liz.mccue@nptelegraph.com
ness training, classes on early learning, social development.
For some, starting an in-home daycare is a means of being able to bring in a second income while staying at home with a growing family. For others, it’s the realization of a life-long love of helping young children develop before starting kindergarten. For parents, in-home daycares offer a more familial setting where children are given one-on-one attention, can develop their social skills in a small group and receive preschool education like learning letters and basic words.
"It’s a lot, but as long as there are things I think that I’m learning," Lund said.
Linda Lund has run a daycare from her home, called Linda’s House, for just under 30 years. Her youngest child is now 34, but she said she doesn’t even want to think about retirement. "You get so invested," Lund said. She’s kept up with them through high school graduations, takes care of siblings, watches the children of children she watched 25 years ago. She enjoys the challenges that come with looking after children, some infants, some just shy of starting kindergarten. During
She said a lot has changed within the last year – new requirements for liabilit y insurance, developing evacuation plans in the event of a fire or tornado, collecting immunization records for the children, getting a physical for herself and her husband. All documented into one large binder. But they are provided with lists of requirements from the state for preschool education, and receive newsletters with updates from the Educational Service Units. Rose Mull, owner of Rainbow’s End daycare, sits on the floor with Eden, pretty in pink, Justin, in the saucer chair and Mason, the oldest of the children she looks after. One room over, the other children nap to the sounds of classical music. Mull has been running a daycare from her home for 13 years. Now, only her oldest son lives in the home as he attends college – she, her husband and her younger son live in a home built near Fort MacPherson Cemetery.
the summers, she takes on older siblings with the help of an assistant, currently a high school junior. Rose Mull started an in-home daycare, called Rainbow’s End, when she was pregnant with her second son. He is now 13, and her oldest attends classes at North Platte Communit y College. Both will help with the daycare if she needs it. Teaching preschool education has changed a lot since her sons went through school, she said. In-home daycare providers have to take classes mandated by the state on providing education in the creative arts, math, science. They teach letters and word recognition. "I don’t want to see any of the kids struggle in school," Mull said. Mull said providers themselves take 12 hours of continuous education classes each year. Lund enjoys the classes. In-home providers have to take busi-
If any of the providers have questions, there is a co-op of providers, Mull said. North Platte has over a dozen in-home providers, and there is communication between everyone to keep prices steady and to let clients know that if one provider doesn’t have an opening, another might. With an in-home daycare, Mull said it is nice to be able to "kind of get to cherry pick" children that will get along with each other. During the school year, both she and Lund will take about eight children to care for. Many return each year, sometimes with siblings. Lund said she cares for three sets of siblings right now. In the smaller setting, though, she sees many of the children become close with friends, too. Some become inseparable, even as they leave the daycare for kindergarten together. "They’re excited to see all their friends," Mull said. It isn’t just a curriculum and familial environment that in-home daycares have to provide. Before getting started, Lund said, the fire marshal has to determine a home is safe in the event of a fire. She had to change the playground in her backyard to have soft mats – other providers can use grass or small rocks. In-home daycare providers also have to supply a meal plan. Mull used to work at the North Platte Community Daycare when she was going to college. She said there is a lot more creativity needed to be an in-home provider than just an employee. You’re the director, Mull said, and the bookkeeper, janitor, cook and more. But both women say it’s worth all the work to help children. "I really like being with children," Lund said.
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