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Helpful
Information for Parents
What Should I Know About My Child’s Growth And Development?
Every parent worries about whether his or her children are growing, developing,
and behaving the way they should at specific ages. There are a number of
websites such as those below that offer information designed to help you
understand what to expect as your child grows and develops. But, while it is
important to read about how children grow and develop, it is even more important
to have someone you have confidence in to talk to about your child’s progress.
Both your child’s doctor and caregiver can serve in this role. Routinely taking
your child to the same doctor for checkups allows you time to develop a trusting
relationship where you feel comfortable asking questions, and your child’s
doctor has had time to get to know your child. Caregivers can also provide
valuable information about how your child functions in an out-of-home setting
around other children and adults.
There are checklists you can use to keep track of your child’s progress, and it
is recommended to note questions you may have so you will be sure to ask your
child’s doctor at each checkup. But also trust your instincts. If you feel your
child is not developing as he or she should, then there are resources out there
to help you.
Helpful Links
Why Is Healthy Child Care Texas Important To Me As A Parent?
Healthy Child Care Texas is an initiative that trains qualified individuals to
be Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC) or Medical Consultants (MC). CCHCs
and/or MCs consult with and provide technical assistance to early care and
education providers (i.e., child care centers, family child care homes, Head
Start programs and Pre-K programs). These consultants have expertise in areas
such as child health, child development, early childhood education, and the
specific needs of children in out-of-home early care and education settings.
The primary goal of CCHCs and MCs are to improve the health, safety, and quality
of early care and education settings. CCHCs and MCs do not work with or treat
individual children.
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Why Should My Child’s Provider Use A Child Care Health Consultant And/Or Medical
Consultant?
Research is emerging across the nation that early care and education providers
that use Child Care Health Consultants and/or Medical Consultants show changes
in knowledge, awareness, behavior, communication, and health. [Maternal and Child
Health, Washington State Department of Health] Improvements have been observed
in such areas as health policy and practice, sanitation, safe/active play,
emergency preparedness, nutrition, sleeping practices (Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome - SIDS), and number of children immunized. [Bureau of Child and
Adolescent Health, New York State Department of Health]
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What Is Quality Child Care?
There are a number of guidelines about what makes up quality care. The following
are some of the areas addressed when talking about quality child care.
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Licensing Status |
The facility’s licensing status and whether the facility is accredited.
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Staff and/or Caregivers |
The education/training of the staff. The way staff interacts with the
children. The number of caregivers and the number of children each
supervises. The consistency of care provided throughout the day.
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Program and Activities |
Whether the staff follows a specific program/curriculum. Whether the
activities are age-appropriate. Whether activities are individualized for
each child.
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Setting |
The number of children in a group. Whether the environment is healthy,
safe and age-appropriate.
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Role of Parents |
The involvement of families. The type of resources provided for families.
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Helpful Links |
Ingredients for Quality Care National Network for Children |
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Why Does Quality Child Care Matter?
Studies have shown that from birth to age five children develop at a rapid pace
and their experiences form the foundation for their physical, social, cognitive,
language, and emotional development. Critical to this is providing infants and
young children with opportunities to interact with people (i.e., parents,
caregivers, siblings, etc.) and the environment. Since many parents of young
children work, individuals in out-of-home settings care for their children. Thus, it is imperative that children be provided healthy, safe, and stimulating
environments so they can develop to their fullest potential.
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How Do I Choose Quality Child Care?
Knowing what to look for when trying to find a quality early care and education
provider can be overwhelming. There are a number of resources available to help
you with this process. Listed below are both national and local resources to
help you evaluate providers. No one but you can determine what is best for your
child; but, knowing that your child is cared for in a healthy, safe ,and quality
setting can help you feel better about having someone else care for your child.
Helpful Links
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How Do I Find Child Care?
In Texas there are a number of ways to find quality child care. The first place
to start would be to contact the local child care resource and referral agency
that covers your community. They can assist you in locating child care to meet
your needs.
What Other Early Care And Education Programs Should I Know About?
Are There Other Resources Available To Help My Child?
The
Texas Health and Human Services Commission "How To Get
Help" page offers a variety of methods of getting assistance
including how to use the Call 2-1-1 Service as well as get
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eligibility information,
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cash assistance,
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food stamps, and
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medical care.
The
Texas Workforce Commission also offers assistance with Child Care Costs (Note: Check out Pre-kindergarten programs if
there is a waiting list.)
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