[null, null, {"document_url": "http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/2010/06/naeyc-offers-new-website-tips-for.html", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nYwWCz1Ro-M/TBElm4ViGmI/AAAAAAAAA7c/f_v5K_e0zF0/s400/hand+tree.JPG", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nYwWCz1Ro-M/TBElm4ViGmI/AAAAAAAAA7c/f_v5K_e0zF0/s400/hand+tree.JPG", "formatted_filename": "hand tree"}, null, {"document_url": "http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/2010/06/naeyc-offers-new-website-tips-for.html", "unformatted_src": "http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png", "src": "http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png", "formatted_filename": "tech fav", "alt_text": "Add to Technorati Favorites"}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/2010/06/naeyc-offers-new-website-tips-for.html", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nYwWCz1Ro-M/S-IWGYevjLI/AAAAAAAAA2g/VUFkWTiEzf0/S230/kathy5.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nYwWCz1Ro-M/S-IWGYevjLI/AAAAAAAAA2g/VUFkWTiEzf0/S230/kathy5.jpg", "formatted_filename": "kathy", "rendered_width": 180, "rendered_height": 220}, null, null]

NAEYC Offers New Website: Tips for Parents Searching for Quality Child Care

by Rae Pica 

1. A good program will always provide parents an opportunity to visit, stay awhile, and get a good sense of the environment.

2. Parents should ask about and observe group sizes and the number of teaching staff in each classroom. NAEYC recommends no more than 8 babies or 12 toddlers with at least 2 teaching staff. For preschoolers, group size should not exceed 20 children with at least 2 teaching staff always present.

3. Play, including dramatic play and blocks and active play outdoors, should be integrated into classroom topics of study. Play not only supports children’s intellectual development; it is also very important for the physical development of children.

4. Programs should promote the health and nutrition of children.

5. Children in the program should be engaged with one another and their teachers.

6. Listen and watch for a happy buzz of activity—neither too quiet nor too loud.

7. Teachers should use positive speech and be loving and responsive to a child.

8. A good program should be able to adapt to the needs of each individual child without ignoring the whole group.

9. Teaching staff should be qualified academically.

10. Parents should ask about teacher turnover. A high-quality program will have well-compensated and well-trained staff to ensure retention.

11. Programs should have a strong connection with the families of each child and the community, as well. Posted by kathy stemke at 1:33 PM Labels: accredited programs, early childhood education, education, educationtipster, kathy stemke, NAEYC, preschool, rae pica, right choice for kids, tips
 Virginia S Grenier said...

This is great. I'm going to share this with all my SFC fans.

June 11, 2010 at 1:46 PM