Child Care & After School Care - Parenting Help to Choose a Quality Provider

From the US Department of Education, with sections on the potential of after-school programs, components of exemplary after-school programs, examples of communities meeting the need for after-school activities, and after-school resources.

Use this list to be sure the child care environment is safe -from the cribs, gates, and playground to the bedding, curtains, and recalled products.  Published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

From the National Association of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies.  This website also includes a child care connector, and extensive information about choosing a child care provider, licensing and accreditation, and other helpful tools and resources. Also available in Spanish.

Featuring “Finding Child Care Near You,” financial assistance, and information about quality child care.  From the US Department of Health and Human Services.

With articles, conferences, publications, resources, email forum, and much more.  Topics include child abuse, children with special needs, guidance and discipline, nutrition and diet, and activities and learning.

In Tips for Parents: Latch Key Kids, learn why kids that are old enough to stay home alone still need plenty of parental involvement in their lives.

In Tips for Parents: What Age Can My Child Stay Home Alone, learn state requirements, if any, about the minimum age children can stay home alone, get expert recommendations, and find a checklist to help you prepare your child for staying home alone.

How to find a good after-school program.

Unsupervised children are at increased risk for violence, drugs, and sexual activity.