Vol. 17, No. 37July 23, 1998

Child-care information available

As September draws near, parents are planning now for before- and after-school care for their children. UD employees can get a helping hand about information on programs that meet their individual needs from the Family & Workplace Connection, which can be accessed through the University of Delaware home page.

School-age child care is available in a variety of settings, and there are many options from which to chose, such as child-care centers, public and private schools, religious institutions, community agencies and youth service agencies, plus child-care providers in homes.

According to the Family & Workshop Connection, quality programs should include outdoor play, space for individual quiet time and homework and time to socialize with peers, while providing a comfortable environment and age-appropriate activities.

One problem parents face is finding child care when schools are closed for in-service days, vacations and half-days. When looking into school-based child care, parents should find out if the programs are open on days when schools are closed. Family child-care providers generally care for children the entire day on days when schools are not in session.

Many families involve their children in recreation programs and youth groups. Although adults are present, these programs are not designed to provide child care and may not provide the level of supervision needed by some children.

As a service to employees, on-line referrals from the Family & Workplace Connection can help parents find a before- or after-school program that meets their child's needs and has space available.

For more information, visit https://www.mvs.udel.edu/fwp.html or call 479-1660.