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Childcare No.5 [Binder] [1]
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55030948
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Childcare No.5 [Binder] [1]
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Records of the First Lady's Office (Clinton Administration)
Melanne Verveer's Issues and Events files
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. schedule
Schedule for Hillary Rodham Clinton (partial) (4 pages)
05/11/1998
b(7)(E)
002. schedule
Schedule for Hillary Rodham Clinton (partial) (3 pages)
06/02/1998
b(7)(E), b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 19011
FOLDER TITLE:
Childcare #5 [Binder] [1]
2013-0534-S
ry1696
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Files of Melanne Verveer,
Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Box 5: Issue Binders
Archived from OEOB 100 by Tania Shapiro-Barr on Dec. 8, 2000
Childcare #5
- Childcare
Childcare #6
- Childcare
Youth Development/After-School Violence #1
- Youth Development/After-School Violence
Youth Development/After-School Violence #2
- Youth Development/After-School Violence
Youth Development/After-School Violence #3
- Youth Development/After-School Violence
ATTACHMENTS 19011
ENCLOSURES PILED OVERSIZE
NARA 16215
HRC
CHILDCARE
BOOK #5
# 5 HRC
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
Childcare
1993-2000
1992
11/18
Children's Defense Fund - Washington DC
1993
1/26
National Child Labor Committee to New York Cares Program - New York, NY
4/2
National Commission on Children Meeting Summit - Washington DC
1994
3/4
Children NOW Advocacy Conference Satellite Feed - White House
9/25
Childcare Action Campaign Benefit - New York, NY
11/18
Children's Discovery Center - Honolulu, Hawaii
12/2
Triangle Christian Families Preservation Network - Los Angeles, California
12/10
First Ladies of the Americas Florida meeting on Children's Education, Health and
Safety - Miami, Florida
1995
2/8
"Young Children - Priority One" Kiwanis Club Council - The White House
2/14
Linn County Day Care Center - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
3/1
Child Welfare League - Washington, DC
3/13
Video - Girl Scouts National Meetings
4/21
Mary's Center for Maternal and Child Care - Washington, DC
5/3
Covenant House Kick off and Reception - Washington, DC
5/8
Positive Influences on Children Ad Council Reception - The White House
5/16
Family Circle Lunch - Service to Children and Families - Chicago, Illinois
6/2
Upper Peninsula Children's Coalition - Escanaba, Michigan
6/13
Casey Journalism Center for Children and Families Discussion - White House
8/5
Column on Working Women
9/3
Column on Childcare
1996
3/12
Column on Childcare
4/10
Children First: A Global Forum - satellite feed from the White House
5/22
Colorado Forum for Children's Advocacy - Denver, Colorado
5/30
Children's Action Network - California
6/7
Discussion with Working Families - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
6/14
Youth Talk - A City Listens to Children - Kansas City, Missouri
6/21
Video - National Center for Youth Law
6/24
Mothers Against Violence in America - Seattle, Washington
7/18
Video - National Parenting Instructors Association's Conference "Careers & Kids
Balancing Work and Parenting Responsibilities"
10/4
Harvard JFK School of Government - Children's Issues - Boston, MA
10/22
Barbara Greenspun Lecture - Importance of Children's Issues - Las Vegas NV
1997
2/10
U.S. Kids Care Center Visit - Washington, DC
2/11
Column on Childcare
2/19
"Stand for Children" Kickoff - Children's Mercy Hospital - Kansas City, MO
3/3
Coalition for America's Children - PSA and Event - White House
4/8
Column on Childcare
5/22
Parents' Magazine Luncheon - Support for Children - ???
7/3
Video - San Diego Tribune Community Forum - Service to Families
7/30
Youth Leadership Institute - Washington, DC
9/17
Childcare Meeting - White House
9/24
Childcare Meeting - White House
10/1
Quantico Child Care Event - Quantico, Virginia
Childcare Roundtable - Miami, Florida
10/3
University of Maryland - Education and Childcare Remarks - College Park, MD
10/20
Children's Defense Fund 25th Anniversary Gala - New York, NY
10/22
Childcare Press Briefing - White House
10/23
Childcare Conference - The White House
11/24
California Youth Connection Roundtable - Los Angeles, CA
1998
1/6
Column on Childcare
1/7
Childcare Announcement - White House
1/26
PSA - Lifetime Television
Virtual Y School - Modern Afterschool Programs - Harlem, NY
Early Learning Fund - White House
1/28
Childcare Remarks at Trinity College - Hartford, Connecticut
2/9
Zero to Three 20th Anniversary Gala - Washington, DC
2/10
Column on Childcare
2/18
Childcare and Health Initiative Event - Washington DC
2/19
Martin Luther King Child Development Center Child Care Event - Dallas, TX
3/16
Children's Assessment Center - Houston, TX
4/8
Video - The Children's Defense Fund "Beat the Odds" Banquet
4/22
Column on Childcare
4/23
Rose Garden Child Care Event - White House
Meeting with Treasury Working Group on Childcare - White House
4/27
Community Forum on Childcare - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Children's Defense Fund Tribute to Edelman Dinner - Chicago, Illinois
5/5
Video - First Statewide Conference on Childcare for Florida
5/11
Reiner Foundation Supporters on Childcare - New York, NY
6/2
Childcare initiative - Redbook's "Mother's & Shakers" Award - Washington DC
6/3
Column on Childcare
6/4
McGovern Child Care Event - Attleboro, MA
6/9
Democratic Caucus Childcare Event - Legislation Unveiling - Washington DC
6/21
Childcare Roundtable - University of New Mexico - Albuquerque, NM
6/22
Family Reunion 7 - Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN
7/21
Video - State Childcare Administrators Meeting - Healthy Child Care America
9/23
Parent's Magazine 1998 Childcare Awards - New York, NY
9/25
Childcare Event with David Wu - Portland State University - Portland, Oregon
10/6
White House After School Programming Event - White House
10/30
Children and Families Initiative - Rob Reiner Residence - Los Angeles, CA
12/1
NYU Child Study Center - New York, NY
12/4
Keynote Address at the Eleanor Roosevelt Lecture on the Rights of the Child -
Georgetown University - Washington DC
1999
1/20
Families Agenda Roundtable - Buffalo, NY and Norristown, Pennsylvania
2/2
Families Agenda Roundtable - Brooklyn, New York
4/7
Videos - "Beat the Odds' Event - Children's Defense Fund
4/12
"Just Us Kids" - Promoting Investment in Childcare - Washington DC
4/19
Jewish Childcare Association - 175th Anniversary - New York, NY
5/10
Listening to Our Children Childline Conference - White House
7/15
Videos - Healthy Families America Awards Dinner
Second Annual Heads Up Project Fair
9/22
Childcare Roundtable - New York, NY
2000
2/2
State of the Union 2000 Highlights
4/18
Hand in Hand Childcare Center - New York, NY
4/28
Fight Crime - Invest in Kids Event - White House
5/12
Consumer Product Safety Event - White House
COLUMNS
8/5/95
Working Women
9/3/95
Childcare
3/12/96
Childcare
2/11/97
Childcare
4/8/97
Childcare
1/6/98
Childcare
2/10/98
Childcare
4/22/98
Childcare
6/3/98
Childcare
2/2/2000
State of the Union 2000 Highlights
Finished 7/19/00
Katie McCormick Lelyveld
Children & Families: Child Care
Objective:
To make child care better, safer and more affordable for America's working families.
Accomplishments:
White House Conference on Child Care
Hosted Conference with POTUS- two panel discussion, luncheon and reception (10/23/97)
Press Roundtable, morning shows with POTUS (10/22/97-10/23/97)
Ramp-up speech at the University of Maryland (10/3/97)
President's FY 1999 Child Care Initiative
White House announcement of child care budget proposals (1/7/98)
Leadership role in policy development
Leadership in securing in FY 1999 budget negotiations $200 million for after school programs
and $180 million in child care quality
Advocated to strengthen background checks on child care providers; President signed National
Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact to facilitate background checks
Pushed for improvements to federal child care; President signed executive memorandum
(3/10/98)
Op eds in women's magazines (i.e. Parents) and column (1/6/98)
Selected Appearances/ Campaigning to Promote Child Care Investments
Fight Crime Invest in Kids Event (4/28/00)
Participated in Families Agenda Roundtable, Duncan YMCA, Chicago (4/14/99)
Child Care Announcement and Tour at Just Us Kids Child Development Center, DC (4/12/99)
Speech in New York for Parents Magazine child care awards (9/23/98)
Release of grants to promote after school programs through the 21st Century Learning Centers in
Rose Garden ceremony (6/17/98)
White House luncheon with Redbook magazine on child care (6/2/98)
Capitol Hill announcement of House Democratic child care bill with sponsors (6/98)
Child care roundtable with Rep. Tauscher (5/26/98)
Rosie O'Donnell Show appearance on child care and meeting with leaders of Reiner child care
campaign, New York, NY (5/11/98)
White House meeting with Treasury Working Group on Child Care and Rose Garden event with
POTUS to release working group report (4/23/98)
Milwaukee Child Care Conference keynote address (3/27/98)
Hartford, CT Roundtable discussion on child care quality (1/28/98)
Harlem, NY Virtual Y after school program visit and remarks (1/26/98)
For internal use only. Updated 6/1/00.
White House announcement of Mott Foundation commitment to after school programs (1/26/98)
Quantico Marine Base Child Care Center visit and roundtable (9/31/97)
Florida Business Commission on Child Care discussion in Miami (9/30/97)
Speech in DC to Parents Magazine child care awards (5/22/97)
White House luncheon with Working Women Magazine and child care honorees (2/10/97)
Column: Treasury Working Group on Child Care Report (4/22/98), Affordable Child Care
(2/2/2000)
For internal use only. Updated 6/1/00.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
FINAL
WASHINGTON, D.C./ MILWAUKEE, WI/ CHICAGO, IL
TRAVELING PARTY:
KELLY CRAIGHEAD
MELANNE VERVEER
MARSHA BERRY
SHARON FARMER
MILWAUKEE
LEAD ADVANCE:
WHITNEY WILLIAMS
BEST WESTERN
ROOM 121
414/671-6400
PHONE
414/671-1029
FAX
CHILD CARE
BECCA GOLDSTEIN
ROOM 116
FORUM ADVANCE:
312/806-1126
CELL
888/472-4799
PAGER
SPOTTSWOOD
ORSON PORTER
ADVANCE:
414/272-0101
PHONE
888/762-7616
PAGER
MILWAUKEE
PRESS ADVANCE:
JON SALOMON
ROOM 108
CHICAGO
LEAD ADVANCE:
MWITU NDUGU
CHICAGO HILTON AND TOWERS
ROOM 2403
312/922-4400
PHONE
312/922-5240
FAX
202/395-2103
CELL
800/504-6724
PAGER
JANE ADDAMS/
MB SCHOOL ADVANCE:
SHANAN GUINN
ROOM 2445
312/218-3816
CELL
312/299-2191
PAGER
SARAH ORLOWSKY
ROOM
800/504-1592
PAGER
CHICAGO
PRESS ADVANCE:
STEPHANIE JONES
312/218-8641
CELL
800/810-1450
PAGER
CHICAGO RON/
CDF DINNER:
BRIDGET HARTIGAN
ROOM 2442
773/671-7674
CELL
312/512-2356
PAGER
SCHEDULER:
WENDY ARENDS
202/456-7007
PHONE
202/456-5340
FAX
202/518-8209
HOME
WHCA PAGER
PREV RON
The White House
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 2
9:30am
DEPART North Portico
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Andrews Air Force Base
[Drive time: 20 minutes]
9:50am
ARRIVE Andrews Air Force Base
10:00am
WHEELS UP Andrews Air Force Base
EN ROUTE Milwaukee, Wisconsin
[Flight time: 1 hour, 50 minutes]
[Time change: -1 hour]
[Note: Breakfast will be served]
10:50am
ARRIVE Milwaukee, Wisconsin
General Mitchell International Base Operations
HRC Hold: Office
Phone: 414/482-5586
CLOSED PRESS
GREETERS: approximately 15 greeters
11:00am
DEPART Airport
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)
Child Care Center
[Drive time: 20 minutes]
11:20am
ARRIVE MATC Child Care Center
GREETERS:
Senator Herb Kohl
Representative Tom Barrett
Ann Terrell, Coordinator, MATC Child Care Center
Dr. John Birkholz, President, MATC
Note: Senator Kohl will depart after the greet.
11:25am-
TOUR MATC Child Care Center w/Rep. Barrett
11:40am
MATC Child Care Center
HRC Hold: Coordinator's Office
Phone: 414/297-6469
Staff Hold: Office
Phone: 414/297-6140
POOL PRESS/WH PHOTO
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 3
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady, Ann Terrell, Coordinator,
MATC Child Care Center, Representative
Barrett, and Representative Kleczka proceed
into the Infant room where Ann Terrell
explains the background of the center.
-
The First Lady, Ann Terrell, Representative
Barrett, and Representative Kleczka then
proceed to the play area where they observe
25 three to six year olds making collages and
coloring. (POOL PRESS)
-
The children then sing "Oh What a Miracle"
and present the First Lady with a book and
teddy bear. (POOL PRESS)
-
The First Lady departs.
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Representative Barrett
Representative Kleczka
Ann Terrell, Coordinator, MATC Child Care Center
11:45am
PROCEED to Child Care Conference
VIA Motorcade
[Drive time: 2 minutes]
11:45am
PROCEED upstairs to Boardroom for Meet and Greet
VIA two flights of stairs
11:50am-
MEET AND GREET w/Forum panelists
12:00pm
Boardroom
Milwaukee Area Technical College
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
Guests will be pre-positioned in a
semi-circle.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 20 people
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 4
12:00pm
PROCEED to Cooley Auditorium
VIA Stairs
12:05pm-
REMARKS at the Community Forum on Child Care
12:35pm
Cooley Auditorium
Milwaukee Area Technical College
HRC Hold: Room 232, Stage Manager's Office
Phone: 414/297-6310
Fax: 414/297-8263
Staff Hold: Room 232
OPEN PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady and Representative Barrett
are announced onto stage by Kathleen Dunn,
Forum moderator.
-
Representative Barrett makes welcoming
remarks and introduces the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes remarks.
-
The First Lady has the option of working a
ropeline upon departure.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 1800 guests
12:40pm
DEPART Milwaukee Area Technical College
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Milwaukee Athletic Club
[Drive time: 10 minutes]
12:50pm
ARRIVE Milwaukee Athletic Club
PROCEED to 8th floor
VIA Elevator
GREETERS (on 8th floor) :
Lydia Spottswood
Paul Spottswood, husband
Mark Spottswood, son
Erin Spottswood, daughter
Jayne Spottswood, daughter
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 5
1:00pm-
PRIVATE RECEPTION for Lydia Spottswood
1:25pm
Wisconsin Room
Milwaukee Athletic Club
758 North Broadway
HRC Hold: Room 807
Phone: 414/273-5080 x1453
Fax: 414/273-4133
Staff Hold: Room 809
Phone: 414/273-5080
CLOSED PRESS/SPOTTSWOOD PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
Proceed to area for photo receiving line.
PARTICIPANTS: 50 guests
1:25pm
PROCEED to Grand Ballroom, 4th floor
VIA Elevator
1:30pm-
GENERAL RECEPTION for Lydia Spottswood
1:55pm
Grand Ballroom
Milwaukee Athletic Club
HRC Hold: Room 807
Phone: 414/273-5080 x1453
Fax: 414/273-4133
Staff Hold: Room 809
Phone: 414/273-5080
OPEN PRESS/SPOTTSWOOD PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady and Lydia Spottswood are
announced onto stage by Jeff Neubauer,
Chair, Spottswood campaign.
-
Jeff Neubauer introduces Lydia Spottswood.
-
Lydia Spottswood makes remarks and
introduces the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes remarks.
-
The First Lady and Lydia Spottswood work a
ropeline.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 6
-
The First Lady proceeds to partitioned area
for volunteer photos.
-
The First Lady departs.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 250 guests
1:55pm
PROCEED to first floor
VIA Elevator
2:00pm
DEPART Milwaukee Athletic Club
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Airport
[Drive time: 15 minutes]
2:15pm
ARRIVE Airport
General Mitchell International Base Operations
HRC Hold: Office
Phone: 414/482-5586
CLOSED PRESS
2:25pm
WHEELS UP Milwaukee, Wisconsin
EN ROUTE Chicago, Illinois
[Flight time: 35 minutes]
[Note: Lunch will be served]
3:00pm
WHEELS DOWN Midway Airport
Million Air
Hold: Office
Phone: 312/284-2867
CLOSED PRESS
3:10pm
DEPART Midway Airport
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Jane Addams School
[Drive time: 45 minutes]
3:55pm
ARRIVE Jane Addams School
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 7
GREETERS:
Mayor Richard Daley
Dr. Cynthia Barron, Principal
Guadalupe Suarez-Silva, Assistant Principal
Terry Hillard, Chief of Police
Kendall Kost, 8th grade student
Steven Walsh, 3rd grade student
Paul Vallas, CEO, Chicago Public Schools
Gery Chico, President, Board of Trustees
Marcia Chaikan, author, Kids, Cops, & Communities
Note: The First Lady and Mayor Daley have the
option to sign the guest book.
4:00pm-
TOUR Jane Addams After School Programs
4:15pm
Jane Addams School
10810 S. Avenue H
HRC Hold: Teacher's Lounge
Phone: 773/535-6210 x107
Fax: 773/535-6292
POOL PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady, Mayor Daley, Dr. Barron,
Terry Hillard, Kendall Kost and Steve Walsh
proceed into Room 108 where they observe
teachers helping parents help their children
with homework.
-
The group then proceeds into the library
where students are exploring the world
through books and are currently learning
about Egypt. The First Lady observes
various crafts projects regarding Egypt.
(POOL PRESS)
-
The tour then proceeds to Room 207 where they
will see students receiving dinner and
participating in a peer reading group.
-
Upon conclusion of the tour, Dr. Barron will
lead the group to the cafeteria for the
speaking program.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 8
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Mayor Daley
Dr. Cynthia Barron, Principal, Jane Addams School
Kendall Kost, 8th grade student
Steve Walsh, 3rd grade student
4: 15pm
PROCEED to cafeteria
4: 1 5pm-
REMARKS to Jane Addams After School Program
4: 45pm
Cafeteria
Jane Addams School
OPEN PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
There will be an offstage announce of the
First Lady, accompanied by Mayor Daley, Chief
Terry Hillard, Dr. Barron, and Gabriela
Brizuela.
-
Dr. Barron, Principal, Jane Addams School
makes welcoming remarks and introduces
Chief Terry Hillard.
-
Chief Hillard makes remarks and introduces
Mayor Daley.
-
Mayor Daley makes remarks and introduces
Gabriela Brizuela, 7th grade student.
-
Gabriela Brizuela makes remarks and
introduces the First Lady.
I
The First Lady makes remarks.
I
The First Lady has the option of working a
ropeline or proceeding to the overflow area.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 90 people
4: 45pm
PROCEED to Gym (overflow area)
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 9
4: 50pm-
DROP-BY Gym
4: 55pm
Gymnasium
Jane Addams School
PRESS TBD/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
Informal remarks
PARTICIPANTS: 200 students
4: 55pm
MEET AND GREET w/Solis Family
Location TBD
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS: 10-12 Solis family members
5: 00pm
DEPART Jane Addams School
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Chicago Hilton and Towers
[Drive time: 45 minutes]
5: 45pm
ARRIVE Chicago Hilton and Towers
GREETERS:
Ken Smith, General Manager
Jean Simmons, Resident Manager
Ina Eglite, Assistant Director, Catering and Sales
5:50pm-
DOWN TIME
6: 40pm
6:40pm
PROCEED to CDF VIP Reception
VIA Elevator
6: 50pm-
CDF VIP RECEPTION
7:00pm
Boulevard A & B
Chicago Hilton and Towers
Attire: Business
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 10
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady, Marian Wright Edelman, Glenn
Close, Maggie Daley, Deloris Jordan, Marilyn
Miglin and Rick Jasculca proceed into
Boulevard A & B.
-
Mary Dee introduces Marian Wright Edelman.
-
Marian Wright Edelman makes brief remarks
and introduces the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes brief remarks and has
the option to work a ropeline.
-
The First Lady, Marian Wright Edelman, Glenn
Close, Maggie Daley, Deloris Jordan, Marilyn
Miglin and Rick Jasculca depart.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 70 people
7:00pm
PROCEED to Boulevard C
7:05pm-
CDF PRESS AVAIL
7:15pm
Boulevard C
Chicago Hilton and Towers
OPEN PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
1
The First Lady, Marian Wright Edelman, Glenn
Close, Maggie Daley, Deloris Jordan, Marilyn
Miglin and Rick Jasculca proceed into
Boulevard C.
-
The group poses for a photo and takes their
seats.
-
Deloris Jordan makes brief remarks and
acknowledges the CDF Dinner Co-Chairs
(Maggie Daley, Deloris Jordan, Marilyn
Miglin, and Rick Jasculca).
-
Glenn Close makes remarks and
introduces the First Lady.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 11
I
The First Lady makes brief remarks.
-
Upon conclusion, the group departs.
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Marian Wright Edelman
Glenn Close
Maggie Daley
Deloris Jordan
Marilyn Miglin
Rick Jasculca
7: 15pm
PROCEED to Hold
7: 15pm-
HOLD
7:45pm
Boulevard A & B
Chicago Hilton and Towers
7:50pm-
CDF DINNER
9: 00pm
Grand Ballroom
Chicago Hilton and Towers
OPEN PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady and Marian Wright Edelman are
announced into the room.
-
Dinner is preset.
-
Dessert is served.
-
Blue Man Group performs.
-
Glenn Close introduces Richard Marx.
-
Richard Marx performs 1-2 songs.
-
Glenn Close introduces Maggie Daley.
-
Maggie Daley makes remarks and introduces
the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes remarks.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998
PAGE 12
-
Upon conclusion of her remarks, an award is
brought out and the First Lady presents it
to Marian Wright Edelman.
-
Marian Wright Edelman makes remarks.
-
The Voices of Inspiration choir performs
"I Believe I Can Fly".
-
Glenn Close reads "Stand for Children". .
-
Roslyn Jordan performs with gospel choir.
-
The Voices of Inspiration choir performs
"Stand for Children".
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 500-700 people
RON
Chicago Hilton and Towers
Chicago, Illinois
April 24, 1998
CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
DATE:
Monday, April 27
TIME:
6:50 pm - 9:00 pm
LOCATION:
Chicago Hilton and Towers
Chicago, IL
FROM:
Brenda Costello
I.
PURPOSE
To deliver remarks at The Children's Defense Fund's 25TH Anniversary Chicago Gala.
II. BACKGROUND
The Children's Defense Fund kicked-off their year-long silver anniversary celebration in
New York last October. Monday's event in Chicago is a continuation of that year-long
celebration. As you will recall, you attended the CDF October Gala at the Lincoln
Center.
Monday's Gala program will feature the Blue Man Group and the Voices of Inspiration
Choir and several other music performances, as well as a 7-minute retrospective video
of CDF and its accomplishments. Other speakers include Marian Wright Edelman,
Maggie Daley, Roslyn Jordan and Glenn Close, who also participated in the Lincoln
Center event in October. An audience of 500-700 friends of CDF, donors, and corporate
patrons is expected at the Gala.
Format
Upon arrival you will stop by the VIP Reception with approximately 150 people before
the dinner program where you will make brief, informal remarks. Next, you will
proceed to a press availability with Marian Wright Edelman and the other gala co-
chairs. Prior to the dinner you will meet privately with Marian Wright Edelman for
approximately 15 minutes.
Dinner will be served before you enter the Grand Ballroom for the program. You will
be introduced by Maggie Daley. Following your remarks you will introduce Marian
Wright Edelman and return to your seat at the head table for the duration of the
program. Seated at the head table is: The First Lady, Marian Wright Edelman, Glenn
Close, Mayor and Maggie Daley, Eileen Sweeney, United Airlines, Mrs. Isabel; Brazier,
Minister.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
VIP Reception
-see list attached
Press Availability
-The First Lady
-Marian Wright Edelman
-Glenn Close
-Maggie Daley
-Deloris Jordan
-Marilyn Miglin
-Rick Jasculca
Dinner Program
-The First Lady
-Glenn Close
-Maggie Daley
-Marian Wright Edelman
-Roslyn Jordan
IV.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
The First Lady stops by VIP reception
Mary Dee introduces Marian Wright Edelman.
Marian Wright Edelman makes brief remarks and introduces the First Lady.
The First Lady makes brief remarks and departs.
-- Press Avail
The First Lady, Marian Wright Edelman, Glenn Close, Maggie Daley, Deloris
Jordan, Marilyn Miglin and Rick Jasculca proceed into Boulevard C.
The group poses for a photo and takes their seats.
Deloris Jordan makes brief remarks and acknowledges the CDF Dinner
Co-Chairs (Maggie Daley, Deloris Jordan, Marilyn Miglin, and Rick Jasculca).
Glenn Close makes remarks and intros the First Lady
The First Lady makes brief remarks.
Upon conclusion, the group departs.
-- The First Lady proceeds to Grand Ballroom
The First Lady and Marian Wright Edelman are announced into the room.
Dessert is served.
Blue Man Group performs.
Glenn Close makes remarks and introduces Richard Marx.
Richard Marx performs 1-2 songs.
Glenn Close introduces Maggie Daley
Maggie Daley makes remarks and introduces the First Lady.
The First Lady makes remarks.
Upon conclusion of her remarks, an award is rolled out and the First Lady
presents it to Marian Wright Edelman.
Marian Wright Edelman makes remarks.
The Voices of Inspiration choir performs "I Believe I Can Fly".
Glenn Close reads "Stand for Children".
Roslyn Jordan performs with gospel choir.
The Voices of Inspiration choir performs "Stand for Children".
The First Lady departs
V.
PRESS
VIP reception:
Closed press/WH. Photo.
Press Availability: Open press/WH Photo.
Dinner:
Open Press/WH Photo.
VI. REMARKS
Provided by Laura Schiller.
LEXIS®-NEXIS®
http://web.lexis-nexis.com/In.univ.5=215daa8e605a99def4784f0908648756
Copyright 1998 Paddock Publications, Inc.
Chicago Daily Herald
April 28, 1998, Tuesday, Cook
SECTION: News; Pg. 7
LENGTH: 398 words
HEADLINE: First lady hails after-school program in Chicago
BYLINE: Madeleine Doubek Daily Herald Political Editor
BODY: The elementary and junior high students chattered and giggled as they worked together Monday
in a cramped school library making Egyptian artwork to show off to first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
It was well after 4 p.m. when they finally had their chance to display their handiwork for the first lady,
but the children being kept at school stay after every day. The two dozen children Mrs. Clinton met at
Jane Addams school on Chicago's Southeast Side are enrolled in Chicago's Lighthouse Program, an
after-school initiative that provides 112,000 children extra schooling, athletics and other supervised
recreational activities.
Mrs. Clinton hailed the program as well as efforts by Chicago police to support youth groups as ones to
be modeled across the country to enrich children and keep them safe. A new Justice Department report,
Mrs. Clinton said, shows more police officers understand organized after-school activities prevent crime
in the key hours between 3 and 8 p.m. when 5 million U.S. children are left unsupervised.
"We have to give young people something to say yes to," Mrs. Clinton said, "places that they can go to
where we know they'll be well taken care of."
The visit kicked off a three-day, child-focused trip by Mrs. Clinton. She also attended a 25th anniversary
celebration of the Children's Defense Fund Monday night, will promote reading today and will join
Democratic Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun at Stevenson Elementary School in Elk Grove Village
Wednesday to praise renovations that have added computers and special software for learning-disabled
students.
The school stops also give the first lady a chance to promote Clinton administration proposals to
encourage computer accessibility at schools and creation of more after-school care.
She told about 60 parents, coaches, police officers and clergy at Addams that members of the
GOP-controlled Congress do not believe the president's proposal to spend $ 1 billion to provide 500,000
children with after-school care will prevent crime, protect children and save money that otherwise would
be spent on juvenile detention.
Police officers understand "we cannot arrest ourselves out of this problem" of juvenile crime, Clinton
said. "We cannot continue to build more and more juvenile facilities and prisons. If we're going to bring
down youth crime rates, we must lift up our children."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: April 30, 1998
FOCUSTM
Search: General News;children's defense fund and hillary w/2 clinton
1 of 2
6/29/2000 5:59 PM
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
5/5/98
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998
FINAL
WASHINGTON, D.C.
SENATE SPOUSES
LEAD ADVANCE:
MICHELLE KREISS
301/384-7118
PHONE
DC ARTS
LEAD ADVANCE:
STEPHEN LAMB
202/205-3689
PHONE
202/232-8365
HOME
DC ARTS
PRESS ADVANCE:
DOUG SMITH
DSCC DINNER
LEAD ADVANCE:
AL RUTHERFORD
202/364-3628
PHONE
800/309-8499
PAGER
SCHEDULER:
WENDY ARENDS
202/456-7007
PHONE
202/456-5340
FAX
202/518-8209
HOME
WHCA PAGER
PREV RON
The White House
-
12:10pm
DEPART South Portico
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Senate Russell Building
[Drive time: 5 minutes]
12:15pm
ARRIVE Senate Russell Building
PROCEED to third floor
VIA elevator
GREETERS (curbside) :
Becky Daughtery, Office of the Sergeant at Arms
GREETERS (Third Floor) :
Mrs. Gore
Joyce Bennett, Chair
Bonnie Bryan, Co-Chair
Note: The First Lady and Mrs. Gore sign the
Historical Book.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998
PAGE 2
12:20pm-
MEET AND GREET
12:50pm
Room 325
Senate Russell Building
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady and Mrs. Gore proceed to
Room 325 for a photo receiving line.
PARTICIPANTS: 98 guests
12:50pm-
SENATE SPOUSES LUNCHEON
2:00pm
Room 325
Senate Russell Building
HRC Hold: Room 324
Phone: 202/224-7548
Fax: 202/224-2417
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
Joyce Bennett escorts the First Lady to her
table.
-
Mrs. Gore makes welcoming remarks and
introduces Marcia Coats.
-
Marcia Coats gives the invocation.
-
Joyce Bennett makes welcoming remarks.
-
Lunch is served.
-
Joyce Bennett makes brief remarks and
introduces Marcelle Leahy.
-
Marcelle Leahy introduce Elizabeth Bishop,
Linda Mabbs, and Ken Wise from the
Washington Opera.
-
Elizabeth Bishop, Linda Mabbs, and
Ken Wise perform.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998
PAGE 3
-
Pat Kempthorne presents a gift and
introduces the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes remarks.
-
Upon conclusion, Joyce Bennett escorts the
First Lady to the elevator and the First Lady
departs.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 98 guests
2:00pm
DEPART Senate Russell Building
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Canadian Embassy
[Drive time: 5 minutes]
2:05pm
ARRIVE Canadian Embassy
PROCEED to Art Gallery for Meet and Greet
GREETERS:
Mrs. Kay Chretien
(T) Robert Peck, Commissioner, Public Building Service
2:05pm-
MEET AND GREET
2:15pm
Art Gallery
Canadian Embassy
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady proceeds to the Art Gallery
for a photo receiving line.
PARTICIPANTS: 15 guests
2:15pm-
D.C. ARTS SUMMIT
3:15pm
Theater
Canadian Embassy
501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
HRC Hold: Dressing Room
Phone: 202/682-1740, ext. 7213
Fax: 202/682-7791
OPEN PRESS/WH PHOTO
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998
PAGE 4
FORMAT:
-
The Duke Ellington Choir finishes performing.
-
The First Lady and Mrs. Chretien are
announced into the theater and proceed to
their seats in the audience.
-
Calvin Cafritz, Chairman and CEO, The Morris
& Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, makes
welcoming remarks and introduces
Douglas Waddell, Deputy Head of Mission.
-
Douglas Waddell makes remarks and introduces
Jim Gibson, Chair, Downtown Arts Committee.
-
Jim Gibson makes remarks and introduces
Marion Barry, Jr., Mayor.
-
Marion Barry, Jr. makes remarks and
introduces Alexander Garvin, author,
The American City: What Works, What Doesn't.
-
Alexander Garvin makes remarks and
introduces Brendan Conway, age 10, Levine
School of Music.
-
Brendan Conway performs a violin solo.
-
Robert Peck, Commissioner, Public Building
Service, makes brief remarks and
introduces the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes remarks.
-
Upon conclusion, Robert McNulty, President,
Partner for Livable Communities, thanks the
First Lady and escorts her and Mrs. Chretien
offstage.
-
The First Lady departs.
PARTICIPANTS: 175 guests
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998
PAGE 5
3:20pm
DEPART Canadian Embassy
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE South Portico
[Drive time: 5 minutes]
3:25pm
ARRIVE South Portico
3:30pm-
MEETING w/Leon Sullivan
4:00pm
Map Room
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Leon Sullivan
Melanne Verveer
Erica Barks-Ruggles
4:30pm-
VIDEOS
5:30pm
Roosevelt Room
CLOSED PRESS/NO WH PHOTO
-National Adoption Center's 15th Annual Gala
-Project A.L.S. Benefit Welcoming Video
-Project A.L.S. PSA
-The Second Annual Roselyne C. Swig Award Gala
for Partners Ending Domestic Violence
-The 1998 Children's Summit: Growing Up - The Walt
Disney Company
-Educational Press Association of America's 1998
Friend of Education Award
-The Historic Opening Celebration of the National
First Ladies' Library
-The ABC Love Award at the Love Our Children Gala-
Public Counsel Law Center
-Children's Circle of Care
-First Statewide Summit on Childcare "Schools,
Communities, & Businesses: Florida's Partners in
Quality Child Care"
5:30pm
(T)
DROP-BY Mrs. Gore's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (OPTIONAL)
Room 200, OEOB
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
Note: The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta begins at 5:00pm.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998
PAGE 6
6:45pm-
DROP-BY Steve Silverman/Emily Bromberg
7:00pm
Going Away Party
State Dining Room
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
Erskine Bowles makes remarks and introduces
the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes remarks and introduces
Harold Ickes.
-
Harold Ickes makes remarks and introduces
the Vice President.
-
The Vice President makes remarks and
introduces the President (T).
(T) -
The President makes remarks.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 80-100 guests
7:05pm
DEPART South Portico
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE DSCC Dinner
[Drive time: 10 minutes]
7:15pm-
DSCC DINNER at Home of Senator Feinstein
8:15pm
1824 Phelps Street, NW
#1825 Kalorama Square
HRC Hold: Exercise Room
Phone: 202/328-3760
Fax: 202/328-3806
CLOSED PRESS/DSCC PHOTO
FORMAT:
I
The First Lady does a photo receiving line
with 22 people.
-
The First Lady proceeds to a tented
courtyard for dinner.
-
Dinner is served.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1998
PAGE 7
-
Senator Barbara Boxer makes welcoming remarks
and introduces Senator Patty Murray.
-
Senator Patty Murray makes remarks and
introduces Senator Diane Feinstein.
-
Senator Diane Feinstein makes remarks and
introduces the First Lady.
-
The First Lady makes remarks.
-
The First Lady departs.
PARTICIPANTS: approximately 22 people
8:15pm
DEPART DSCC Dinner
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE South Portico
[Drive time: 10 minutes]
8:25pm
ARRIVE South Portico
RON
The White House
DRAFT
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
CHILDREN'S CIRCLE OF CARE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
MAY 5, 1998
Thank you, Mary, for that introduction. I only wish I could be there in person for this
Children's Circle of Care Leadership Conference. As some of you may know, I attended this
conference two years ago when it was held at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, and
I'm proud to have served as your founding honorary chair.
Having worked almost fifteen years as a volunteer and Trustee at Arkansas Children's
Hospital, I know first hand the extraordinary role that these hospitals play in the lives and health
of our nation's children. In fact, one of the pleasures I've had as First Lady has been the
opportunity to visit so many of your children's hospitals across America where I have seen your
commitments in action. And I know that the same quality of work is being carried out in
Canada's hospitals as well.
But it is as a mother that I most appreciate the work that our children's hospitals do and
the generosity that lets them keep on doing it. It has only been through your support -- and
through the support of people like yourselves -- that so many hospitals have been able to advance
their shared mission of excellence in pediatric patient care, research, teaching, and advocacy.
I want to commend all of you on the work that you've accomplished since your first
Leadership conference here two years ago. And I wish you luck as you continue to help the
children's hospitals of the United States and Canada fulfill their vital role. I hope you have a
wonderful conference.
http://www.pub.whitehouse.gov/uri-r..e/oma.eop.gov.us/1998/5/6/6.text.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 5, 1998
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I want to commend the Annie E. Casey Foundation for its KIDS COUNT
Data Book, which highlights the need for safe and affordable child care
for millions of America's working families. The report, released today,
provides important evidence of the child care challenges facing
families, businesses, and the economy.
KIDS COUNT reports that every day, parents of 29 million children
struggle to find safe and affordable child care so that they can go to
work. The challenge is especially great for the working parents of 10
million children in low-income families. The report tells us that this
need continues to grow; that child care is unaffordable for many
families, consuming 25 percent of income for many low-income families;
that quality is uneven and often poor; and that inadequate care can
have a dramatic impact on children's development.
This report provides further evidence of the urgency for Congress
to act on child care legislation. Too many American families are
struggling to find and afford child care to meet their obligations as
workers and their more important responsibility as parents. My child
care initiative will help working families pay for child care, build a
good supply of after-school programs, improve the safety and quality of
care, and promote early learning. Today, I again call on Congress to
act, and I look forward to working with Members in both parties to
enact comprehensive bipartisan child care legislation that meets the
needs of children and families.
-30-30-30-
1 of 1
3/31/2000 10:07 AM
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
5/11/98
Divider Title:
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1998
FINAL
WASHINGTON, D.C./NEW YORK, NY
TRAVELING PARTY:
KELLY CRAIGHEAD
CAPRICIA MARSHALL
NICOLE RABNER
MARSHA BERRY
BARBARA KINNEY
NEW YORK, NY
LEAD ADVANCE:
STEVE GRAHAM
WALDORF HOTEL ROOM 602
212/355-3000
PHONE
716/767-0328 FAX
305/205-5265 CELL
888/210-9288 PAGER
PRESS ADVANCE:
KELLY PAISLEY
WALDORF HOTEL
ROOM 678
SITE ADVANCE:
LEWIS GOLDBERG
SCHEDULER:
MOLLY BUFORD
202/456-5315 PHONE
202/456-5340
FAX
202/244-2125 HOME
WHCA PAGER
#4452
PREV RON Washington, D.C.
11:00 am-
TEA w/Ambassadors' Wives
11:30 am
Yellow Oval Room
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS: Approx. 15 guests.
Contact: Capricia Marshall 202/456-7064
11:45 am-
BRIEFING re Bradley Scholars Event
11:50 am
The Red Room
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
Contact: Laura Schwartz 202/456-5655
11:50 am-
PHOTO-OP w/School Linkage Group Scholars
11:55 am
Grand Foyer
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS: Approx. 12 guests for photo.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1998
PAGE 2
11:55 am-
PHOTO-OP w/Flex Scholars
12:00 pm
North Portico
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS: Approx. 88 guests for photo.
12:00 pm-
MEET AND GREET
12:05 pm
The Blue Room
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS:
Joseph Duffey, Director fo USIA
Ambassador Morningstar
Cathy Rex, teacher at Roxbourough High School in
Philadelphia
Shukhart jSadyrov, FLEX Scholar
Mr. Penn Kemble, Deputy Director USIA
Hon. John Loiello, Associate Director, Bureau of
Education and Cultural Affairs, USIA
Contact: Laura Schwartz 202/456-5655
12:05 pm-
BRADLEY SCHOLARS EVENT
12:30 pm
The East Room
OPEN PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady is announced into the East
Room accompanied by program participants and
proceeds to the toast lectern on stage.
-
The First Lady makes opening remarks and
introduces Joseph Duffey.
-
Joseph Duffey makes remarks and introduces
Cathy Rex.
-
Cathy Rex makes remarks and introduces
Ambassador Morningstar.
-
Ambassador Morningstar makes remarks and
introduces Shukhart Sadyrov.
-
Shukhart Sadyrov makes remars and presents
The First Lady with a bound collection of the
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. schedule
Schedule for Hillary Rodham Clinton (partial) (4 pages)
05/11/1998
b(7)(E)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 19011
FOLDER TITLE:
Childcare #5 [Binder] [1]
2013-0534-S
ry1696
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1998
PAGE 3
students' essays.
-
The First Lady holds a question and answer
session with the students.
NOTE: The guests proceed to the State Dining Room
for tea and cookies.
PARTICIPANTS: Approx. 180 guests to attend.
Contact: Laura Schwartz 202/456-5655
12:50 pm
DEPART The White House
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Andrews AFB
[drive time: 20 minutes]
MOTORCADE MANIFEST:
LIMO: THE FIRST LADY
STAFF VAN: BERRY, CRAIGHEAD, KINNEY, MARSHALL, RABNER
1:10 pm
ARRIVE Andrews AFB
1:25 pm
WHEELS UP Washington, D.C.
EN ROUTE New York, NY
[flight time: 50 minutes]
[time change: none]
[meal: tbd]
2:15 pm
WHEELS DOWN La Guardia Airport
2:30 pm
DEPART La Guardia Airport
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Rockefeller Center
[001]
[drive time: 30 minutes]
(b)(7)e
3:00 pm
ARRIVE Rockefeller Center
Hold: Office
Phone: 212/506-3295
Fax: 212/506-3263
3:00 pm
PROCEED to dressing room
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1998
PAGE 4
3:15 pm
TAPING for Rosie O'Donnell
3:40 pm
Rockefeller Center, Studio
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady and Rosie O'Donnell will tape
a 5 to 6 minute segment.
-
The First Lady and Rosie O'Donnell,
accompanied by three children, will tape a 5
to 6 minute craft segment.
-
Upon conclusion of the tapings, The First
Lady will take a photo with the crew and then
depart.
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Rosie O'Donnell
Louie Dane, 6 years old
Erin Yogasundram, 6 years old
Jade-Lauren Guzman, 7 years old
Contact: Marsha Berry 202/456-2960
3:40 pm
DEPART Rockefeller Center
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Waldorf Astoria Hotel
[drive time: 5 minutes]
(b)(7)e
3:45 pm
ARRIVE Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Hold: Suite 35A
Phone: 212/355-3000
Fax: 212/872-7272
Staff Hold: same
Phone: same
Fax: same
3:50 pm-
MEET AND GREET w/Reiner Foundation Supporters on
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1998
PAGE 5
4:10 pm
childcare
FORMAT:
-
Photo receiving line.
PARTICIPANTS: Approx 15 guests to attend. Please
see briefing book for complete list.
Contact: Nicole Rabner 202/456-7263
4:10 pm-
DOWN TIME
6:30 pm
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
6:30 pm
DEPART Waldorf Astoria Hotel
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE Metropolitan Opera House
[drive time: 15 minutes]
(b)(7)e
6:45 pm
ARRIVE Metropolitan Opera House
Hold: General Manager's Office
Phone: 212/870-7415
Fax: 212/870-7607
GREETERS:
Senator Robert Torricelli
Patricia Duff
Michael Kiser
Kevin McKenzie
6:50 pm
AMERICAN BALLET THEATER PERFORMANCE
8:00 pm
Metropolitan Opera House
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-
The First Lady will do a several group photos
backstage.
-
Kevin McKenzie will make welcoming remarks
and introduce The First Lady.
-
The First Lady will make brief remarks.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1998
PAGE 6
-
Upon Conclusion of the remarks The First Lady
will proceed to the box for the performance.
-
Performance begins.
-
Upon conclusion of the first act The First
Lady will depart.
Contact: Mary Keating 212/477-3030
8:00 pm
DEPART Metropolitan Opera House
VIA Motorcade
EN ROUTE La Guardia Airport
[drive time: 30 minutes]
(b)(7)e
8:30 pm
ARRIVE La Guardia Airport
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
8:45 pm
WHEELS UP New York, NY
EN ROUTE Andrews AFB
[flight time: 50 minutes]
[meal: none]
9:35 pm
WHEELS DOWN Andrews AFB
NOTE: The First Lady will deboard the C-9 and reboard the 707.
9:45 pm
WHEELS UP Washington, D.C.
EN ROUTE Limoges, France
[flight time: 7 hours 5 minutes]
[time change: +6 hours]
[meals: light dinner, breakfast]
RON
En route Limoges, France
6/2/98
OCOPY
RVATION
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1998
FINAL-REVISED
WASHINGTON, DC
TRAVELLING PARTY:
KELLY CRAIGHEAD
MARSHA BERRY
SHARON FARMER
ELLEN LOVELL
CHICAGO
LEAD ADVANCE:
ROB ROSEN
THE SHERATON TOWERS ROOM 1054
312/464-1000
PHONE
202/395-1839
CELL PHONE
1-800-759-8888
PIN: 210-3266 PAGER
PRESS ADVANCE:
LORI GREENBAUM
312/337-7400
PHONE
773/244-9543
HOME
SITE ADVANCE:
GLENN RYNIEWSKI
312/744-0795
PHONE
773/871-4552
HOME
312/689-8105
PAGER
RON ADVANCE:
DOTTI LI
ROOM 1232
SCHEDULER:
EVAN RYAN
202/456-6751
PHONE
202/456-5340
FAX
202/483-0383
HOME
WHCA PAGER
#4223
PREV RON
The White House
11:00 am-
PRIVATE MEETING
12:00 pm
Residence
CLOSED PRESS/NO WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Sidney Blumenthal
Melanne Verveer
CONTACT: Melanne Verveer 202/456-6266
PAGE 2
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1998
12:00 pm-
PRIVATE MEETING
12:30 pm
Map Room
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
George Soros
John Fox
Melanne Verveer
Jock Covey, NSC
CONTACT: John Fox 202/296-5380
12:45 pm-
PRIVATE MEETING
1:00 pm
Map Room
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Francesco Rutelli, Mayor of Rome
Dr. Enrico Gasbarra, Director, Rome's Municipal
Trade Department
Paolo Silveri
Giandonato Caggiano
Melanne Verveer
Ellen Lovell
Miriam Sapiro, NSC
Sim Smiley, Interpreter
CONTACT: Miriam Sapiro 202/456-9151
Caroline Croft 202/395-6940
1:15 pm-
REDBOOK MAGAZINE LUNCHEON MEET & GREET
1:25 pm
Diplomatic Reception Room
Attire: Business
CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Kate White, Editor of Redbook
7 honorees and families
CONTACT: Capricia Marshall 202/456-7136
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1998
PAGE 3
1:30 pm-
REDBOOK MAGAZINE LUNCHEON
2:40 pm
State Dining Room
Attire: Business
POOL PRESS for award presentation/WH PHOTO
FORMAT:
-The First Lady is announced into the State
Dining Room and proceeds to the lectern.
-The First Lady makes brief welcoming remarks and
proceeds to her table.
-Lunch is served.
-Following lunch, the First Lady returns to the
lectern and introduces Kate White, Editor of
Redbook.
-Kate White makes brief remarks and introduces
each honoree. As Kate White acknowledges each
honoree, the honoree comes forward and is
handed the award by the First Lady. The First
Lady and honoree pause for a picture by the side
of the fireplace.
NOTE: There are 7 presentations.
-Following the last presentation and photograph,
the First Lady takes a group photo with the seven
honorees and Kate White, in front of the
fireplace.
-The First Lady departs.
PARTICIPANTS: 100 guests expected.
CONTACT: Capricia Marshall 202/456-7136
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002. schedule
Schedule for Hillary Rodham Clinton (partial) (3 pages)
06/02/1998
b(7)(E), b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 19011
FOLDER TITLE:
Childcare #5 [Binder] [1]
2013-0534-S
ry1696
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1998
PAGE 4
3:00 pm-
SCHEDULING MEETING
4:30 pm
Residence
CLOSED PRESS/NO WH PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS:
The First Lady
Marsha Berry
Pam Cicetti
Kelly Craighead
Diane Dewhirst
Patti Solis Doyle
Lee Doyle
Missy Kincaid
Ellen Lovell
Christy Macy
Capricia Marshall
Melanne Verveer
CONTACT: Diane Dewhirst 202/456-2468
5:00 pm
DEPART South Portico
EN ROUTE Andrews Air Force Base
[drive time: 30 minutes]
MOTORCADE MANIFEST
LIMO: THE FIRST LADY
STAFF VAN: BERRY, CRAIGHEAD, FARMER, LOVELL
5:30 pm
ARRIVE Andrews Air Force Base
5:40 pm
WHEELS UP Andrews Air Force Base
EN ROUTE Midway Airport, Chicago, Illinois
[flight time: 1 hour, 40 minutes, -1 hour]
[meal: light dinner]
6:20 pm
WHEELS DOWN Midway Airport, Chicago, Illinois
[002]
6:30 pm
DEPART Midway Airport, Chicago, Illinois
EN ROUTE 180 East Pearson Street
[drive time: 30 minutes]
(b)(7)e
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1998
PAGE 5
7:00 pm
ARRIVE
(b)(6)
GREETERS: Richard and Judith Stern
7:05 pm-
PHOTO-RECEIVING LINE
7:20 pm
Den
Stern Residence
(b)(6)
Staff Hold: Den
CLOSED PRESS/DNC PHOTO
PARTICIPANTS: 25-30 guests expected.
CONTACT:
(b)(6)
7:25 pm-
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM DINNER
8:30 pm
Living Room
Stern Residence
(b)(6)
Staff Hold: Den
CLOSED PRESS/DNC PHOTO
NOTE: Buffet dinner is available at this time.
FORMAT:
-Judith Stern makes welcoming remarks and
introduces the First Lady.
-The First Lady makes brief remarks and takes
questions.
-Following informal question and answer session,
the First Lady departs.
SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1998
PAGE 6
PARTICIPANTS: 25-30 guests expected.
CONTACT:
(b)(6)
8:35 pm
DEPART
(b)(6)
EN ROUTE The Sheraton Towers
[drive time: 10 minutes]
(b)(7)e
8:45 pm
ARRIVE The Sheraton Towers
GREETERS:
Bob Foster, General Manager, The Sheraton Towers
Heather Bolton, Towers Manager
Nancy McFadyen, Director of Sales
RON
The Sheraton Towers
Chicago, Illinois
WEATHER FORECAST FOR WASHINGTON, DC: Variably cloudy with a
chance for an isolated thunderstorm by late evening. Winds 5 to
10 knots. High 82. Low 64.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR CHICAGO, IL: Sunny. High 75. Low 52.
WASHINGTON, DC EVENTS:
KENNEDY CENTER
Show Boat
Shear Madness
NATIONAL THEATRE
Ragtime
FORD'S THEATRE
Kudzu, A Southern Musical
Page 22
LEVEL 1 - 54 OF 233 ITEMS
Copyright 1998 Information Access Company,
a Thomson Corporation Company;
ASAP
Copyright 1998 Hearst Corporation. All rights reserved.
Further reproduction prohibited.
Redbook
June, 1998
SECTION: No. 2, Vol. 191; Pg. 90; ISSN: 0034-2106
IAC-ACC-NO: 20629966
LENGTH: 3288 words
HEADLINE: Childcare: what works best for kids; includes related article
BYLINE: Eberlein, Tamara
BODY:
IT'S TOUGH ENOUGH LEAVING YOUR CHILDREN WITHOUT ALSO WORRYING THAT YOU'RE
SHORTCHANGING THEM EMOTIONALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY. YOU WON'T BE, SAY EXPERTS, IF
YOU LOOK FOR THESE SEVEN SIGNS.
THE FIRST DAY CARE CENTER AMY MARZ VISITED WAS shiny bright and new. But
.
still the 35-year-old mother of then 2- and 3-year-old daughters nearly cried as
she walked back to her car. "It was so institutional--1 identical cribs, 16
high chairs, 16 bouncy seats in a row. Worse, every child had a name tag. Didn't
the teachers even know the children's names?" Then Marz, a flight instructor in
Fort Myers, Florida, found a truly homey day care program for her children.
"Yeah, the carpet was old," she says, "but the husband-and-wife team knew each
child intimately."
As Marz learned, the best childcare--whether an informal family day care
home for toddlers or an afterschool program for preteens--doesn't always look
that way. Similarly, it may be hard to recognize bad programs. Indeed, most
parents rate their childcare as "good to excellent," even when objective
measures show it to be substandard. And "substandard" is more typical than you
may realize: Only 12 to 14 percent of children under 5 are in high-quality
childcare programs, according to Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and
Work Institute. About 75 percent rate as mediocre. The rest, including 35 to 40
percent of programs for infants, are so poor as to jeopardize children's health
or development, says Galinsky.
These disheartening statistics apply even in "nice" middle-class
communities. Or make that especially: "Low-income children who use center-based
arrangements are likelier to be in government-subsidized programs, which must
meet strict standards,' says Galinsky. "And high-income parents can afford
top-notch care. But the families in the middle typically get left out."
How can you ensure that you don't get "left out"? That your child receives
the nurturing, stimulating care he needs to thrive? By going beyond the
Page 23
Redbook June, 1998
conventional checklists of what to look for when evaluating childcare programs.
That's not to say that safety, cleanliness, a licensing (keystones of such lists
aren't critical. But those are only the beginning, say leading educators and
child development experts. You also need to check for the following, often more
subtle, hallmarks of superb care.
1. Relationships are warm and affectionate. "The quality of care is primarily
determined by the quality of the relationship between teacher and child," says
Joanne Hendrick, Ph.D., professor emerita of early childhood education at the
University of Oklahoma and host of the 13-part PBS series The Whole Child.
That's because children's early emotional attachments actually affect the way
their brains work and grow. Kids learn faster, make friends more easily, and
have higher self-esteem, studies show.
So in visiting a day care center, you want to see genuine fondness--staff
members cuddling babies, giggling with toddlers. With an older group, you should
find kids running to teachers for a hello hug or a kiss on a banged elbow. Such
physical affection not only leads to smiles, it also stimulates the brain to
release hormones that help children feel comforted. What you should not see:
children running to visitors for hugs. "Parents often misinterpret this as, 'Oh,
kids here are so friendly.' But in truth it means they're hungry for attention
and affection they should be getting from the caregiver," explains Dr. Hendrick.
2. Teachers are responsive. Beyond affection, caregivers must be consistently
attentive. With an infant, responsiveness means smiling back when he grins and
talking back when he says "gaa-gaa." What if you see little evidence of such
responsiveness, yet the babies aren't fussing? That's worrisome: Infants who've
cried for attention in vain start to feel powerless. Their listlessness signals
apathy, not contentment.
With older children, responsiveness means listening closely. "The teacher
gets down on the youngster's level and looks her in the eye, taking in her words
as well as body language," says Amy Flynn, director of the Bank Street Family
Center in New York. "She's sensitive to mood."
You also want to see that teachers value kids' individuality (and will enjoy
having a child like yours). One tactic is to identify a youngster whose
temperament seems most like your kid's--ultra-energetic, noticeably shy,
stubborn, whatever--and watch how caregivers treat her. Are they skilled at
channeling pep into some challenging project? Coaxing a quiet kid out of the
corner? Eliciting cooperation at cleanup time when the child insists on building
one more Lego spaceship?
3. The staff is well trained. "In some states," warns Galinsky, "all you have
to do to become a childcare provider is be alive and breathing and over 18 years
old." Look for a bachelor's or master's degree in education or psychology or a
child development associate (CDA) certificate. Realize, though, that an
administrator's string of credentials means little if the hands-on caregivers
are unqualified. An after-school program director's Ph.D. impressed one mother
until she realized her son's afternoons were actually spent with teenage
counselors who were bored and sullen.
4. Teachers understand child development. Some signs are obvious. Says Flynn,
"If the toddler room has only one of each type of toy, management clearly
Page 24
Redbook June, 1998
doesn't understand that very young children don't share well."
In a super center, though, insight goes deeper. "My 3-year-old wasn't good
about waiting his turn," admits one mom. "He'd see a kid playing with a truck
and try to snatch it away. I'd offer him a different truck, but that just made
him madder." Then the boy's teacher explained, "He doesn't really want the
truck-, he wants to play with that other boy. She (and the boy's parents) began
to coach him on how to approach other kids to play, and the grabbing diminished.
5. The room is sensibly organized. Besides kid-size furniture, look at how
the room is set up. Behavior improves when a room is divided with low bookcases
so there's less disruption of children's activities. How to spot a poor layout?
Check the block area: "Too often this popular activity is cramped into a corner
where there's no possibility for play to expand as creatively as a child might
wish," says Dr. Hendrick. "Or it overlaps the area intended for climbing and
other large-muscle play, resulting in knocked-down towers-and tears."
6. Activities promote intellectual development. A tremendous amount of brain
growth takes place in the first three years, largely through a baby's
interaction with sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations in the
environment. That's why the activities available in day care are SO crucial. A
quality center stimulates children's senses to enhance learning with "feely
boxes," "smelling stations," finger painting. You should also see stacking and
mesting toys, to develop pre-math skills, and counting and measuring practice
(perhaps at snack time) for preschoolers. And reading should be a lively
activity, with kids free to interrupt with questions or guesses about "what
happens next" in the story.
But don't be impressed if the day care looks like a second-grade classroom,
with desks, worksheets, and flash cards. Be worried. "There's tremendous
parental pressure to Include academics," observes Kyle Pruett, M.D., a
psychiatrist at the Yale University Child Study Center. But pushing early
academics can backfire, raising a child's anxiety level and decreasing her
interest in school.
The same holds for after-school programs: "After a full day of class, kids
need to play sports, make crafts, and hang out with friends," says AnMe Chung,
Ph.D., project director of the National Institute of Out-of-School Time at the
Center for Research on Women at Wellesley College.
7. The staff is happy. One third of childcare workers quit each year. Such
high turnover is tough on kids; with each resignation, the child must mourn the
loss, then start all over to build a new relationship. So before you join a
center, ask how long caregivers have been on staff. But also look for clues that
they're treated with respect. Says Flynn, "Are staff members allowed regular
breaks? Is there comfortable furniture in the classrooms? Do they seem happy or
harried?" Even if you're satisfied with your current center, pay close attention
when there are any major changes. If an admired director leaves, for example,
teachers may not like the new administration--and may quickly become
disgruntled.
RELATED ARTICLE: 4 WAYS THE BEST PROGRAMS PROMOTE LEARNING
*
Talk baby talk (with babies, that is), and use every opportunity to boost
Page 25
Redbook June, 1998
older kids' language skills.
*
Play music. Early exposure to Mozart et al. can stimulate brain areas
associated with later aptitude in math.
*
Devote at least thee hours a day to free play. Not only does freedom to
choose activities foster decision-making skills, says Amy Flynn, director of the
Bank Street Family Center in New York, but if choices are restricted, a spirited
child will feel frustrated and a timid one, inadequate.
*
Keep supplies--crafts, tissues, toys--within children's reach. It's
convenient for staff--and being able to find what they need on their own helps
for kids develop a sense of competence.
RELATED ARTICLE: Great Childcare: Women Who Make It Happen
FROM CLASSROOMS TO COURTROOMS TO THE HALLS OF CONGRESS, THE EIGHT WINNERS OF
REDBOOK'S "AMAZING WOMEN OF 1998" AWARD HAVE FOUGHT PASSIONATELY FOR KIDS--AND
FAMILIES
When the White House announced its childcare initiative last January, it was
remarkable for the attention paid to just about every aspect of this issue--and
for who was paying the attention. What had once been a private problem--one that
each family scrabbled to solve as best it could--had now drawn the interest of
the President of the United States, the Vice President, cabinet members, and a
host of other national leaders. "Half of all mothers with children under one
year of age are working outside the home," observes First Lady Hillary Rodham
Clinton, "and demand for quality care is growing. We all must be involved in
finding solutions."
In large part, the astonishing emergence of childcare as a national issue
has to do with years of effort by women across the country, women who've been
working tirelessly to make the issue a high priority. Whether as local
advocates, business executives, legislators, or philanthropists, these women
have found imaginative solutions for their own communities--and, by example, for
all of us. They are the recipients of Redbook's "Amazing Women of 1998" award.
SENATOR PATTY MURRAY
Your best friend on the Hill "Why am I so interested in childcare? Because
I've been there," " says the U.S. senator from Washington State. "I know what it's
like to have a caregiver say on Friday, 'This is my last day
Patty Murray,
47, became the most "childcare-involved" of the women elected to the Senate in
1992, cosponsoring all the major childcare legislation of the past six years
(and becoming the legislator to consult on the issue), But what pleases Senator
Murray most is that she's no longer a "lone voice" in Washington. "Now we're
having a national conversation about childcare," she observes, "and I'm
thrilled."
HARRIETT TRANGUCCI
Nurturing children of crisis A young homeless woman was crossing the street
in Summit, New Jersey, a baby strapped to her chest, two toddlers and several
scuffed paper bags of possessions in tow, her eyes grimly trained on the
Page 26
Redbook June, 1998
concrete, And it was that heartbreaking sight that moved Harriett Trangucci, 39,
to establish an emergency childcare fund--the Tranguch-Shonkwiler Foundation
(named for her husband's mother and her grandmother) at the Summit Child Care
Centers. Mothers fleeing abusive marriages, teen moms determined to finish high
school, families beset by illness, death, sudden job loss, legal problems,
homelessness--all are now able to send their kids to the center while they're
dealing with their crises.
ROSIE O'DONNELL
"I'm lucky--I can help kids" Shortly after the incredibly successful launch
of The Rosie O'Donnell Show, the actress and talk show host realized that the
show, along with her celebrity appeal, could help the one thing she feels most
passionate about--children. In February 1997, with an initial grant from
royalties on her best-selling book of children's jokes (Kids Are Punny),
O'Donnell (now 36) launched the For All Kids Foundation. So far, the foundation
has distributed $ 1.5 million to 105 child-related charities--more than half of
them programs involving childcare. "I'm very lucky," says O'Donnell with
characteristic self-deprecation. "I'm in a position to help children rise above
any obstacles, and that's the greatest gift you can give a kid."
ELAINE FERSH
"What about older kids?" "I used to think I'd only have to worry about
childcare until my kids started going to school," says Boston activist Elaine
Fersh, 46. "Then it hit me. School ends at 2:30!"
If the same realization has now hit national policy makers, part of the
credit goes to Fersh and her group, Parents United for Child Care. PUCC's recent
victories: The passing of full-day kindergarten and the Boston School-Aged Child
Care Project (which develops before- and after-school programs). PUCC's concern
about out-of-school time also inspired Boston Two to Six, a program whereby the
city of Boston will open public buildings for worthy programs.
MARY BETH PHILLIPS
"Criminals need not apply" When Mary Beth Phillips's infant daughter was
shaken so badly by a babysitter that she was permanently blinded--and then the
sifter was not legally barred from caring for other children--the heartbroken
mother vowed to do whatever it took to stop such outrages. What it took was
perseverance against reluctant lawmakers. In 1989, some five years after
Phillips, now 44, started her fight, TrustLine was launched as a pilot program.
Now, parents can call the state-certifying service to check whether a caregiver
has a criminal or child-abuse record. Since its inception, the service has
reviewed nearly 33,000 potential caregivers, weeding out some 8 percent (about
2,500 individuals) who had serious ("even murder and sexual assault!" reports
TrustLine program manager Cindy Swanson) criminal records.
ELISSA BASSLER
Simple talk, deluxe programs Wrangling childcare dollars from state
governments requires reformist zeal--and smart strategies, Elissa Bassler, 37,
director of public policy for the Day Care Action Council of Illinois, used both
last year when she persuaded the Illinois legislature to allocate a whopping $
Page 27
Redbook June, 1998
100 million for childcare. It was the largest state childcare grant ever.
"Bassler dropped the bureaucratic mumble-jumble we legislators were used to,"
notes Illinois State Senator Steve Rauschenberger. And, he adds, she did
something all advocates should do: "She worked in a bipartisan fashion, helping
both sides focus on the needs of children."
YVONNE EDWARDS
Ask--you never know Four years ago, when developing the idea for a state
of-the-art center for county workers' children, Yvonne Edwards, 36, began to
think of what else she'd like: "What if we added a women's health services
center?" mused the childcare coordinator for California's Monterey County. "And
a drop-in center where mothers could leave kids while getting an exam? And
parent educators? And"--why not?--"a bus stop right in front of the center?" On
May 19, Edwards cut the ribbon at the dedication of the Natividad Medical Center
Family Services Center. "It's a triumph of teamwork," she stresses. "Folks
really had to be willing to give up turf for this unique center to happen."
LINDA MASON
Idealism with business savvy Today there are 160 Bright Horizons child
development centers, serving some 14,000 children at corporations across the
U.S. Indeed, the list of participants reads like a page from The Wall Street
Journal. Mattel, Apple, IBM, Motorola, AT&T, Merck, Pfizer, and Bayer', among
others. But it took a few years of "educating" before Yale Management School
graduate Linda Mason, now 43, was able to convince CEOs of the need for on-site
childcare centers. More striking than the numbers, however, is the quality of
these centers. "From the beginning, we termed them 'child development' programs,
not 'day care,' and we offered quality early-childhood education from trained
faculty members," says Mason.
AND HONORABLE MENTION TO
Cathy Foote, 43, Chicago Pre-kindergarten teacher, Ariel Community Academy,
and winner, Kohl McCormack Corporation Early Childhood Teaching Award, Candi
Lange, 45, Indianapolis Director of Workforce Partnering at Eli Lilly and
Company, Karen Leibold, 46, Boston Created the first on-site intergenerational
care center, serving both elders and children (at Stride Rite), Mirta Matias,
44, Hartford, CT Teacher, Thomas D. Ritter Head Start Program, and winner of a
Hartford Area Child Care Collaborative Quality Child Care Teacher Award 1997.
RELATED ARTICLE: "I HATE DAY CARE!"
HOW TO DECODE WHAT YOUR CHILD IS REALLY TELLING YOU
You thought you chose a wonderful program, but your kid is balking. Before
you rush to make new arrangements, remember that children can't always express
just what's bothering them. See if complaints quiet down when you try other
strategies:
At drop-off time, your child does the Velcro routine, clinging and begging
you not to leave.
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "My kid isn't happy here."
Page 28
Redbook June, 1998
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: She's suffering separation anxiety. Even if she
seemed fine for the first few weeks, kids often lower their defenses over time.
STRATEGY TO TRY: With a baby, call attention to her blanket (or whatever
"lovey" she has brought from home) so she'll focus on its comforting powers;
with older children, spend a few minutes playing together, perhaps pointing
out any new toys.
Your child does the big meltdown during the car ride home, yelling about
everything from his "stupid painting" to the "yucky dinner" you'd planned.
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "He must have had a horrible day."
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: YOU rushed him into the car.
STRATEGY TO TRY: Transitions are rough on many kids. Leave enough time in
your pickup schedule for your child to wind up any projects and say goodbye to
friends.
Your child clams up when asked about his day.
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "Uh-oh. He's hiding something."
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: Your child, like most, has trouble recalling what he
did hours before or just doesn't know how to select highlights of his day.
STRATEGY TO TRY: Establish a ritual; kids accustomed to chatting during their
baths, for example, may share more news. Ask specific questions: "Did you make
sand art today?"
At bedtime, your child announces she's not going to day care tomorrow.
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "Something awful must be going on."
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: She had some minor conflict--a quarrel with a
classmate or a few minutes in time-out.
STRATEGY TO TRY: Ask for details. Then say sympathetically, "Sounds like you
had a bad morning," to help her see the incident as a one-time event. But if she
repeats the threat daily, you need to find out if there have been any changes at
the center. Perhaps a favorite caregiver quit. And it you suspect the problem
lies with the caregiver herself? Make sure your child understands that you'll
help. Older kids, especially, may be reluctant to "tattle" because they fear
retaliation from the teacher.
Tamara Eberlein's last article for Redbook, "How Stressed Are You?" appeared
in the January issue.
GRAPHIC: Photograph; Illustration
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
AC-CREATE-DATE: July 1, 1998
Page 29
Redbook June, 1998
LOAD-DATE: July 02, 1998
To:
Mrs. Clinton
From: Marsha Berry
Re:
Redbook Lunch
Date: June 1, 1998
You are hosting a luncheon tomorrow honoring Redbook Magazine's first tribute to
women who have made a difference in the area of child care. Their June issue features a special
report on child care that highlights the 8 women Redbook is saluting. These women are involved
in all areas of child care. A copy of the report is attached and the winners include:
Harriet Trangucci from Summit, NJ, who established an emergency child care fund for
families in crisis;
Elaine Fersh from Boston, MA, who started Parents United for Child Care which focuses
on after school care;
Mary Beth Phillips from Moraga, CA, who started a program called Trustline which does
background checks on child care givers;
Elissa Bassler from Chicago, IL, who works for the Day Care Action Council of Illinois
to lobby the legislature on behalf of child care;
Yvonne Edwards from Salinas, CA, she works to provide sites that combine child care
and family medical services;
Linda Mason from Cambridge, MA, she works with CEO's to establish child care
centers;
Senator Patty Murray, for her work in Congress on behalf of child care, and;
Rosie O'Donnell, for her establishing the For All Kids Foundation.
Also attending the luncheon are members of Congress, press who have reported on child
care issues, and child care advocates.
MA.." 20. 1998 12:00PM
From: REDBOOK
Dan Klores Associates, Inc.
Public Relations - (212) 685-4300
Contact: Susan Graziano/Lenore Moritz
For immediate release
REDBOOK'S "MOTHERS & SHAKERS OF 1998" TO BE GUESTS OF HONOR AT A
WHITE HOUSE LUNCHEON HOSTED BY HILLARY CLINTON
Eight Dynamic Women Cited for their Efforts on Behalf of Childcare
laaues are the First Recipients of Redbook's Diatinguished Award
Redbook's "Mothers & Shakers of 1998" - eight women who are committed to
improving the quality of childcare - will be honored on June 2,1998, at a White House
ceremony hosted by Hillary Clinton.
Redbook's Editor-in-Chlef, Kate White, said that these women, who are profiled in the
magazine's June issue, have fought passionately for kids and families.
"The emergence of childcare as a national issue is a direct result of effort by women,
such as the ones we have recognized," said White. "Whether as local advocates,
business executives, legislators or philanthropists, these amazing women have found
Imaginative solutions for their own communities, and by example, for all of us."
Along with award winners U.S. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, who has co-
sponsored all the major childcare legislation of the past six years, and Rosle O'Donnell,
whose For All Kids Foundation so far has distributed $1.5 million to 105 child-related
charities, Redbook's "Mothers & Shakers of 1996," include:
Harriett Trangucci who established and supports an emergency childcare fund at
the Summit Child Care Centers in Summit, NJ.
Elaine Fersh . a Boston activist whose group, Parents United for Child Care,
helped develop before-and-after school programs for older kids.
Mary Beth Phillips - a San Francisco mother whose infant daughter lost her sight
after being injured by a babysitter. Phillips lobbied tirelessly for TrustLine, a state-
certifying service that checks whether a caregiver has a criminal or child-abuse
record.
Ellssa Bassier - the director of public policy for the Day Care Action Council of
Illinois, who got a $100 million grant from the Illinois legislature . the largest state
childcare grant ever.
Yvonne Edwards - a childcare coordinator for California's Monterey County, who
recently led a team effort to form a state-of-the-art childcare and woman's health
services center.
Linda Mason - of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who convinced CEOs of the need for
high quality on-site child development programs. There are now more than 160
Bright Horlzons Child Centers, serving some 14,000 children at major corporations
across the U.S.
###
THE REDBOOK REPORT
CHILDCARE:
june
1998
WHAT
WORKS BEST
FOR
IT'S TOUGH ENOUGH LEAVING YOUR
CHILDREN WITHOUT ALSO WORRYING THAT
children under 5 are in high-quality childcare pro-
grams. according to Ellen Galinsky, president of
YOU'RE SHORTCHANGING THEM
the Families and Work Institute. About 75 percent
rate as mediocre. The rest, including 35 to 40 per-
EMOTIONALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY. YOU
cent of programs for infants,
are so poor as to jeopardize
WON'T BE, SAY EXPERTS, IF YOU LOOK FOR
4 WAYS THE BEST
children's health or develop-
PROGRAMS
THESE SEVEN SIGNS. BY TAMARA EBERLEIN
ment, says Galinsky.
These disheartening staris-
PROMOTE LEARNING
ties apply even in "nice"
Talk baby talk (with
middle-class communities. Or
babies, that Is), and use every
THE FIRST DAY CARE CENTER AMY MARZ VISITED WAS
make that especially: "Low-
apportunity to boost older
shiny bright and new. But still the 35-year-old mother
income children who use center-
kids' language skills.
of then 2- and 3-year-old daughters nearly cried as
based arrangements are likelier to
Play music. Early exposura
she walked back to her car. "It was so institutional-
be in government-subsidized pro-
to Mozart at at. can stimulate
16 identical cribs, 16 high chairs, 16 bouncy sears in a
grams, which must meet strict
brain areas essociated with
row. Worse, every child had a name tag. Didn't the
standards," says Galinsky. "And
later aptitude in math.
teachers even know the children's names?" Then
high-income parents can afford
Devota at least three hours a
Marz, a flight instructor in Fort Myers, Florida, found
top-norch care. But the families in
day to free play. Not only does
a ruly homey day care program for her children.
the middle typically get left out."
freedom to choose activities fas-
"Yeah, the carpet was old," she says, "but the hus-
How can you ensure that you
ter decision-making skills, says
band-and-wife team knew each child intimately."
don't get "left out"? That your
Amy Flynn, director of the Bank
As Marz learned, the best childcare-whether an
child receives the nurturing,
Street Family Center In New York,
informal family day care home for toddlers or an-after-
stimulating care he needs to
but If choices are restricted, a
school program for preteens-doesn't always look
thrive? By going beyond the con-
spirited child will feel frustrated
that way. Similarly, it may be hard to recognize bad
ventional checklists of what to
and a timid one, Inadequate.
programs. Indeed, most parents rate their childcare as
look for when evaluating child-
Keep supplies-crafts, tissues.
"good to excellent," even when objective measures
care programs. That's not to say
toys-within children's reach. It's
show it to be substandard. And "substandard" is more
that safety, cleanliness, and
convenient for staff-and being
typical than you may realize: Only 12 to 14 percent of
licensing (keystones of such lists)
able to find what they need on
their own helps kids develop a
90
sense of competence.
REDBOOK
MAGAZINE
581
THE REDBOOK REPORT
Great Childc
aren't critical. But those are only the
kid's-ultra-energetic, noticeably shy,
beginning, say leading educators and
stubborn, whatever-and watch how
child development experts. You also
caregivers treat her. Are they skilled at
FROM CLASSROOMS TO
need to check for the following, often
channeling pep into some challenging
more subtle. hallmarks of superb care.
project? Coaxing a quiet kid out of
COURTROOMS TO THE HALLS
1. Relationships are warm and
the corner? Eliciting cooperation at
cleanup time when the child insists on
OF CONGRESS, THE EIGHT
affectionate. "The quality of care is
building one more Lego spaceship?
WINNERS OF REDBOOK'S
primarily determined by the quality of
the relationship between teacher and
3. The staff is well trained.
"AMAZING WOMEN OF 1998"
child." says Joanne Hendrick, Ph.D.,
"In some states," warns Galinsky, "all
professor emerita of early childhood
you have to do to become a childcare
AWARD HAVE FOUGHT
education at the University of
provider is be alive and breathing and
Oklahoma and host of the 13-part PBS
over 18 years old." Look for a bache-
PASSIONATELY FOR KIDS-
series The Whole Child. That's
lor's or master's degree in education
because children's early emotional
or psychology or a child development
AND FAMILIES
attachments actually affect the way
associate (CDA) certificate. Realize,
their brains work and grow. Kids learn
though, that an administrator's string
When the White House announced its childcare ini-
faster, make friends more easily, and
of credentials means little if the
tiative last January, it was remarkable for the atten-
have higher self-esteem, studies show,
hands-on caregivers are unqualified.
tion paid to just about every aspect of this
So in visiting a day care center, you
An after-school program director's
issue-and for who was paying the attention. What
want to see genuine fondness-staff
Ph.D. impressed one mother until she
had once been a private problem-one that each
members cuddling babies, giggling
realized her son's afternoons were
family scrabbled to solve as best It could-had now
with toddlers. With an older group.
acrually spent with teenage counselors
drawn the Interest of the President of the United
you should find kids running to teach-
who were bored and sullen.
States, the Vice President, cabinet members, and a
ers for a hello hug or a kiss on a
banged elbow, Such physical affection
4. Teachers understand child
host of other national leaders. "Half of all mothers
with children under one year of age are working out-
not only leads to smiles, it also stimu-
development. Some signs are obvi-
side the home," observes First Lady Hillary Rodham
lates the brain to release hormones that
ous. Says Flynn, "If the toddler
Clinton, "and demand for quality care is growing.
help children feel comforted. What
room has only one of each type of
We all must be involved in finding squations."
you should not see: children running
toy, management clearly doesn't
-In large part, the astonishing emergence of
to visitors for hugs. "Parents often
understand that very young children
childcare as a national issue has to do with years
misinterpret this as, 'Oh, kids here are
don't share well."
of effort by women across the country, women
so friendly.' But in truth it means
In a super center, though, insight
who've been working tirelessly to make the issue a
they're hungry for attention and affec-
goes deeper. "My 3-year-old wasn't
high priority. Whether as local advocates, business
tion they should be getting from the
good about waiting his turn." admits
executives, legislators, or philanthropists, these
caregiver," explains Dr. Hendrick.
one mom. "He'd see a kid playing
women have found imaginative solutions for their
with a truck and try to snatch it away.
own communities-and, by example, for all of us.
2. Teachers are responsive.
I'd offer him a different truck, but
They are the recipients of Radbooks "Amazing
Beyond affection, caregivers must be
that just made him madder." Then the
Wamen of 1998" award.
consistently attentive. With an infant.
boy's teacher explained, "He doesn't
responsiveness means smiling back
really want the truck; he wants to
SENATOR PATTY MURRAY
when he grins and talking back when
play with that other boy." She (and
Your best friend OR the HIII "Why am I 50 interested
he says "gaa-gaa." What if you see
the bay's parents) began to coach him
in childcare? Because I've been there," says the
little evidence of such responsive-
on how to approach other kids to
U.S. senator from Washington State. "I know what
ness, yet the babies aren't fussing?
play, and the grabbing diminished.
It's like to have a caregiver say on Friday, This is
That's worrisome: Infants who've
5. The room is sensibly organized.
my last day....' Patty Murray, 47, became the most
cried for attention in vain start to feel
"chlldcare-involved" of the women elected to the
powerless. Their listlessness signals
Besides kid-size furniture. look at
Senate In 1992, cosponsoring all the major child-
apathy, not contentment.
how the room is set up. Behavior
care legislation of the past six years (and becom-
With older children, responsiveness
improves when a room is divided
ing the legislator to consult on the issue). But what
means listening closely. "The teacher
with low bookcases so there's less
pleases Senator Murray most is that she's no
gets down on the youngster's level and
disruption of children's activities.
longer a "lone voice" in Washington. "Now we're
looks her in the eye, taking in her
How to spot a poor layout? Check the
having a national conversation about childcare,"
words as well as body language," says
block area: "Too often this popular
she observes, "and I'm thrilled."
Amy Flynn. director of the Bank
activity is cramped into a corner
Street Family Center in New York.
where there's no possibility for play
HARRIETT TRANGUCCI
"She's sensitive to mood."
to expand as creatively as a child
Nurturing children of crisis A young homeless
You also want to see that teachers
might wish," says Dr. Hendrick. "Or
woman was crossing the street (n Summit, New
value kids' individuality (and will
it overlaps the area intended for
Jersey, a baby strapped to her chest, two toddlers
enjoy having a child like yours). One
climbing and other large-muscle play,
and several scuffed paper bags of possessions in
tactic is to identify a youngster whose
resulting in knocked-down towers-
tow, her eyes grimly trained on the concrete. And it
temperament seems most like your
and tears." (continued on page 126)
was that heartbreaking sight that moved Harriett
92
JUN.
1.1998
1:24PM
REDBOOK MAGAZINE 212 581 7605
700
P.4/5
are: Women Who Make It Happen
Trangucci, 39, to establish an emergency
ELISSA BASSLER
childcare fund-the Tranguch-Shonkwiler
Simple talk, deluxe programs Wrangling childcare dollars from state gov-
Foundation (named for her husband's mother
ernments requires reformist zeal-and smart strategies. Elissa Bassier,
and her grandmother) at the Summit Child
37, director of public policy for the Day Care Action Council of Illinois,
Care Centers. Mothers fleeing abusive mar-
used both last year when she persuaded the Illinois legislature to allogate
riages, teen moms determined to finish high
a whopping $100 million for childcare. It was the largest state childcare
school, families beset by illness, death, sud-
grant ever. "Bassler dropped the bureaucratic mumble-jumble we legisla-
den job loss, legal problems, homelessness-
tors were used to," notes Illinois State Senator Steve Rauschenberger.
all are now able to send their kids to the
And, he adds, she did something all advocates should do: "She worked in
center while they're dealing with their crises.
a bipartisan fashion, helping both sides focus on the needs of children."
ROSIE O'DONNELL
YVONNE EDWARDS
"I'm lucky-1 can help kids" Shortly after
Ask-you never know Four years ago, when developing the idea for a state-
the incredibly successful launch of The
of-the-art center for county workers' children,
Rosie O'Donnell Show, the actress and talk
Yvanne Edwards, 36, began to think of what
show host realized that the show, along with
else she'd like: "What if we added a women's
her celebrity appeal, could help the one
health services center?" mused the childcare
thing she feels most passionate about-
coordinator for California's Monterey County.
children. In February 1997, with an initial
"And a drop-in center where mothers could
grant from royalties on her best-selling book
leave kids while getting an exam? And parent
of children's jokes (Kids Are Punny),
educators? And"-why not?-"a bus stop
O'Donnell (now 36) launched the For All Kids
right in front of the center?" On May 19,
Foundation. So far, the foundation has dis-
Hamell
Edwards cut the ribbon at the dedication of
tributed $1.5 million to 105 child-related
the Natividad Medical Center Family Services
charities-more than half of them programs
Center. "It's a triumph of teamwork." she
involving childcare. "I'm very lucky," says
Rode Donnell
stresses. "Folks really had to be willing to give
O'Donnell with characteristic self-deprecation.
up turf for this unique canter to happen."
"I'm in a position to help children rise above
any obstacles. and that's the greatest gift
LINDA MASON
you can give a kid."
Idealism with business sawy Today there are
160 Bright Horizons child development cen-
ELAINE FERSH
ters, serving some 14,000 children at corpora-
"What about older kids?" "I used to think
tions across the U.S. Indeed, the list of
I'd only have to worry about childcare until
participants reads like a page from The Wall
my kids started going to school," says
Ume
Street Journal: Mattel, Apple, IBM, Motorola,
Boston activist Elaine Fersh, 46. "Then it hit
AT&T, Merck, Pfizer, and Bayer, among others.
me. School ends at 2:301"
But It took a few years of "educating" before
If the same realization has now hit
Yale Management School graduate Linda
national policy makers, part of the credit goes
Mason, now 43, was able to convince CEOs of
to Fersh and her group, Parents United for
the need for on-site childcare centers. More
Child Care. PUCC's recent victories: The pass-
striking than the numbers, however, is the
ing of full-day kindergarten and the Boston
quality of these centers. "From the beginning,
School-Aged Child Care Project (which devel-
we termed them 'child development' pro-
ops before- and after-school programs).
grams, not 'day care,' and we offered quality
PUCC's concern about out-of-school time
early-childhood education from trained faculty
ROSIE O'DONNEIL: ANDREW ECCLES. LINDA MASON: WALTER SILVER.
also inspired Boston Two to Six, a program
members," says Mason.
whereby the city of Boston will open public
buildings for worthy programs.
AND HONORABLE MENTION TO
Cathy Fonta, 43, Chicago Pre-kindergarten
MARY BETH PHILLIPS
teacher, Ariel Community Academy, and
"Criminals nead not apply" When Mary Beth Phillips's infant daughter was
winner, Kohl McCormack Corporation Early
shaken so badly by a babysitter that she was permanently blinded-and then
Childhood Teaching Award. Candi Lange,
the sitter was not legally barred from caring for other children-the heartbro-
45, Indianapolis Director of Workforce
ken mother vowed to do whatever It took to stop such outrages. What it took
Partnering at Ell Lilly and Company. Karen
was perseverance against reluctant lawmakers. In 1989, some five years after
Lelbold, 46, Boston Created the first on-site
Phillips, now 44, started her fight, TrustLine was launched as a pllot program.
intergenerational care center, serving both
Now, parents can call the state-certifying service to check whether a caregiver
elders and children (at Stride Rite). Mirta
has a criminal or child-abuse record. Since its inception, the service has
Matias, 44, Hartford, CT Teacher, Thomas D.
reviewed nearly 33,000 potential caregivers, weeding out same 8 percent
Ritter Head Start Program, and winner of a
(about 2,500 Individuals) who had serious ("even murder and sexual assault!"
Hartford Area Child Care Collaborative
reports TrustLine program manager Cindy Swanson) criminal records.
Quality Child Care Teacher Award, 1997.
03
JUN.
1.1998
1:24PM
REDBOOK MAGAZINE 212 581 7605
NO.700
P.5/5
Serial Killer
Childcare
and decreasing her interest in school,
The same holds for after-school
programs: "After a full day of class.
(continued from page 124)
(continued from page 92)
kids need to play sports, make crafts,
In the decade since the passage of
Florida's victims' rights amendment
6. Activities promote intellectual
and hang out with friends," says An-
Me Chung, Ph.D., project director of
(which Diane, only half-jokingly,
development. A tremendous amount
the National Instinute of Out-of-School
calls the "why-I-don't-have-two-
of brain growth takes place in the first
Time at the Center for Research on
kids-and-a-normal-life amendment"),
three years, largely through a baby's
Women at Wellesley College.
victims' rights have increasingly
interaction with sights, sounds, smells,
become an integral part of the crimi-
and physical sensations in the environ-
7. The staff is happy. One third of
nal justice system. enough that
ment. That's why the activities available
childcare workers quit each year. Such
Florida State University recently sent
in day care are so crucial. A quality cen-
high turnover is tough on kids: with each
Diane a letter to tell her how proud
ter stimulates children's senses to
resignation, the child must mourn the
they are that she is an alumna. "So
enhance learning with "feely boxes,"
loss, then start all over to build a new
perceptions are changing," says Diane
"smelling stations," finger painting. You
relationship. So before you join a center,
exuberantly. "They don't think I'm a
should also see stacking and nesting toys,
ask how long caregivers have been on
nut anymore."
to develop pre-math skills, and counting
staff. But also look for clues that they'
Her war having been won, Diane is
and measuring practice (perhaps at snack
treated with respect. Says Flynn, "Are
finally back in law school, slowly
time) for preschoolers. And reading
staff members allowed regular breaks? Is
working her way toward the degree she
should be a lively activity, with kids free
there comfortable furniture in the class-
always wanted. She's also living with
to interrupt with questions or guesses
rooms? Do they seem happy or harried?"
someone and considering marriage.
about "what happens next" in the story.
Even if you're satisfied with your current
But don't be impressed if the day
center, pay close attention when there
care looks like a second-grade class-
are any major changes, If an admired
"We could argue over
room, with desks, worksheets, and flash
director leaves, for example, teachers
cards. Be worried. "There's tremendous
may not like the new administration-
whether the death penalty
parental pressure to include academics,"
and may quickly become disgruntled.
observes Kyle Pruett, M.D., a psychia-
is a deterrent," says
trist at the Yale University Child Study
Tamara Eberlein's last article for
Center. But pushing early academics can
Redbook, "How Stressed Are You?"
Susan. "But I know for
backfire, raising a child's anxiety level
appeared in the January issue.
sure that Ted Bundy is
never going to kill again."
"I HATE DAY CARE!"
HOW TO DECODE WHAT YOUR CHILD IS REALLY TELLING YOU
Susan Denton now works as a
You thought you chose a won-
Your child does the big
example, may share more news.
neighborhood outreach supervisor for
derful program. but your kid is
meltdown during the car
Ask specific questions: "Did you
the city of Orlando and lives near her
balking. Before you rush to
ride home, yelling about
make sand art today?"
family. Like Diane, she has never
make new arrangements,
everything from his "stupid
At bedtime, your child
been married. "Bur I guess you can't
remember that children can't
painting" to the "yucky
announces she's not going
fault Ted Bundy for that," she says
always express just what's
dinner" you'd planned.
to day care tomorrow.
with a wry chuckle.
bothering them. See if com-
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "He must
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "Something
"We're not stuck in 1978," she
plaints quiet down when you
have had a harrible day."
awful must be going on."
adds. "We know we'll never be able to
try other strategies:
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: You
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS; She had
explain why that night happened. But
At drop-off time, your child
rushed him into the car.
some minor conflict-a quarrel
it did. And I know it gave Diane and
does the Velcro routine,
STRATEGY TO TRY; Transitions are
with a classmate or a few
me the passion to do what we did."
clinging and begging you
rough on many kids, Leave
minutes in time-out.
Two decades after the crime,
not to leave.
enough time in your pickup
STRATEGY TO TRV: Ask for details.
Susan, Diane, and their Chi Omega
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "My kld isn't
schedule for your child to wind
Then say sympathetically,
sisters don't get together as often. But
happy here."
up any projects and say good-
"Sounds like you had a bad
once a year, a group of them still
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: She's suf-
bye to friends.
morning," to help her see the
gather to celebrate Margaret Bowman
faring separation anxisty. Even
Your child clams up when
incident as a one-time event. But
and Lisa Levy's birthdays. It's a happy
if she seemed fine for the first
asked about his day.
If she repeats the threat daily,
occasion, Diane says, since they 're
few weeks, kids often lower
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "Uh-oh. He's
you need to find out if there have
celebrating "good memories."
their defenses over time.
hiding something."
been any changes at the center.
STRATEGY TO TRY: With a baby, call
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: Your
Perhaps A favorite caregiver quit.
Sabrina Rubin is a senior writer at
attention to her blanket (or
child, like most, has trouble
And if you suspect the problem
Philadelphia magazine.
whatever "lovey" she has
recalling what he did hours
lies with the caregiver herself?
brought from home) SO she'll
before or Just doesn't know how
Make sure your child under-
To find your local victim assistance program
focus on its comforting powers;
to select highlights of his day.
stands that you'll help. Older
group, call the National Organization for
with older children, spend a few
STRATEGY TO TRY: Establish a
kids, especially, may be reluctant
Victim Assistance (NOVA) at BOO-TRY-NOVA.
minutes playing together, per-
ritual; kids accustomed to chat-
to "tattle" because they fear
haps pointing out any new toys.
ting during their baths, for
retaliation from the teacher.
120 RRDBOOK JUNE 1991
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S PROPOSAL:
CHILD CARE THAT STRENGTHENS AMERICAN FAMILIES
"Not a single American family should ever have to choose between the job they
need and the child they love."
President Bill Clinton
State of the Union Address, January 27, 1998
President Clinton announced an historic initiative to improve child care for America's working
familiés. The initiative proposes over $20 billion over five years for child care -- to help
working families pay for child care, build a good supply of after-school programs, improve
the safety and quality of care, and promote early learning.
ENSURING AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, SAFE CHILD CARE. The President's child care initiative
responds to the struggles our nation's working parents face in finding child care they can
afford, trust and rely on. The new initiative:
Makes child care more affordable for working families. To help working families
struggling to meet the costs of child care, the initiative invests $7.5 billion over five
years to double the number of children receiving child care subsidies to more than two
million by the year 2003. The initiative also invests $5.1 billion over five years to
increase tax credits for child care for three million families and provides a new tax
credit for businesses that offer child care services to their employees at a cost of $500
million over five years.
Increases access to and promotes early learning and healthy child development.
To improve early learning, the initiative includes $3 billion over five years to establish
an Early Learning Fund that helps local communities improve the quality and safety of
child care for children ages zero to five. The initiative also increases investment in
Head Start and doubles the number of children served by Early Head Start to 80,000.
Improves the safety and quality of child care. To help ensure safe, quality child care,
the initiative: steps up enforcement of state health and safety standards in child care
settings, facilitates background checks on child care providers, increases scholarships and
training for child care providers, and invests in child care research and evaluation.
Expands access to safe after-school care. To help create safe, positive learning
environments for American school-age children who lack adult supervision during a
typical week, the initiative increases the 21 st Century Learning Center Program by $800
million over five years to provide after-school care for up to half a million children a
year.
MAKES CHILD CARE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Doubles the Number of Children Receiving Child Care Subsidies to More than Two
Million. The President proposes to expand the Child Care and Development Block Grant to help
working families struggling to meet the costs of child care. This block grant is the primary
federal subsidy program to pay for child care, enabling low-income parents to work. Funds are
distributed by formula to the states to operate direct child care subsidy programs, as well as to
improve the quality and availability of care. The President's initiative will more than double the
number of children served from the one million served in FY 95 (the latest year for which data
are available). The President's budget will increase funding for the block grant by $7.5 billion
(with a match) over five years, which will enable states to provide subsidies for more than two
million children by 2003.
Increases Tax Credits for Child Care for Three Million Working Families. The Child and
Dependent Care Tax Credit provides tax relief to taxpayers who pay for the care of a child under
13 or a disabled dependent or spouse in order to work. The credit is equal to a percentage of the
taxpayer's employment-related expenditures for child or dependent care, with the amount of the
credit depending on the taxpayer's income. The President's proposal increases the credit for
families earning under $60,000, providing an additional average tax cut of $358 for these
families and eliminating income tax liability for almost all families with incomes below 200% of
poverty ($35,000 for a family of four) that take the maximum allowable child care expenses
under the law. The President's budget will include $5.1 billion over five years to expand the
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for three million working families.
Provides New Business Tax Credits. The child care initiative includes a tax credit to
businesses that provide child care services for their employees, by building or expanding child
care facilities, operating existing facilities, training child care workers, or providing child care
resources and referral services to employees. The credit covers 25% of qualified costs, but may
not exceed $150,000 per year. The President's budget will include approximately $500 million
over five years for these tax credits.
PROMOTES EARLY LEARNING AND HEALTHY CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Promotes Early Learning. Research shows that children's experiences in the earliest years are
critical to their development and future success. The President's proposed Early Learning Fund
provides challenge grants to communities (distributed by states) to support programs to improve
early learning and the quality and safety of child care for children ages zero to five. Funds may
be used for the following activities: providing basic training to child care providers (including
first aid and CPR); connecting individual child care providers to centers for education and
support; assisting child care providers to meet accreditation and licensing requirements; linking
child care providers with health professionals; reducing group sizes and child-to-staff ratios; and
providing home visits, parent education, and consumer education about child care.
The President's Early Learning Fund builds on state initiatives such as North Carolina's
Smart Start, which helps North Carolina's children enter school healthy and ready to succeed.
Smart Start funds a broad variety of local efforts, including improving staff-to-child ratios, health
linkages that have raised immunization rates, and parent education and mentoring programs to
give new parents support. The President's budget will include $3 billion over five years for this
fund.
Increases Investment in Head Start and Doubles the Number of Children Served by Early
Head Start. Head Start provides early, continuous and comprehensive child development and
family support services, preparing children for a lifetime of learning and development. The
President is committed to reauthorize Head Start and reach one million children by 2002. The
President's budget will invest $3.8 billion over five years to keep on track his commitment to
serving one million children by 2002, and to double the number of infants and toddlers in Early
Head Start to 80,000.
IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF CHILD CARE
Steps Up Enforcement of State Health and Safety Standards. Building on the military's
model child care program, this proposed initiative will fund state efforts to improve licensing
systems and enforce child care health and safety standards, including by increasing unannounced
inspections of child care settings. The President's budget will include $500 million over five
years for this program.
Facilitates Background Checks on Child Care Providers. On the day of the White House
Conference on Child Care, the President transmitted to Congress the National Crime Prevention
and Privacy Compact, which will facilitate effective background checks on child care providers
by eliminating state law barriers to sharing criminal history information for non-criminal
purposes. Although the vast majority of child care providers are dedicated to the teaching and
nurturing of children, one tragedy in child care is too many. Background checks are an important
way to ensure that the people watching our children are fit for this responsibility.
Increases Scholarships and Training for Child Care Providers. At the White House
Conference on Child Care, the President proposed establishing a Child Care Provider
Scholarship Fund to enable states to provide scholarship funds to students working toward a
child care credential. Eligible child care workers must commit to remaining in the field for at
least one year for each year of assistance received and will earn increased compensation or
bonuses when they complete their course work. The President proposed a federal investment of
$250 million over five years, which will support 50,000 scholarships per year. The President is
also proposing to expand the Department of Labor's Child Care Apprenticeship Program to fund
the training of child care providers.
Invests in Research. Because too little is known about our child care system, the President's
budget will increase support for data, research, and evaluation. This research fund will also
support a National Center on Child Care Statistics and a child care hotline that parents can call to
get information about how to find child care in their communities and how to identify
appropriate, quality care for their children. In addition, the research fund will support
demonstration projects to test approaches to help new parents who choose to stay home to care
for their newborns or newly adopted children. The President's budget will include $150 million
over five years for this fund.
EXPANDS AND STREAMLINES AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
An estimated five million school-age children spend time as "latchkey kids" without adult
supervision during a typical week. Research indicates that during these unsupervised hours
children are more likely to engage in at-risk behavior, such as crime, drugs, and alcohol use. To
meet this pressing demand, the President is proposing a dramatic expansion of after-school care.
Provides After-School Care for up to Half a Million Children a Year. The President proposes
a dramatic expansion of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program to provide start-
up funds (with a local match) to school-community partnerships to establish or expand before-
and after-school programs for school-age children. The program increases the supply of after-
school care in a cost-effective manner primarily by funding programs that use public schools and
their existing resources, such as computers, gymnasiums, and sports equipment. The program
also includes a set aside to fund programs run by community organizations. The President's
budget will request $800 million of entirely new money for this program, for a total of $1 billion
over five years.
Improves Coordination of Federal After-School Initiatives to Help Communities Make Best
Use of Existing Resources. The President will put in place a collaborative effort involving
numerous federal agencies to eliminate duplication and better coordinate federal funding for
after-school programs in three to five pilot cities, including the District of Columbia.
For Official Government Use Only
President's List
REDBOOK LUNCHEON - Tuesday JUN 2 1998 - 11:30 AM White House Business . East Visitors
Entrance
Page 1
THE FIRST LADY
REPORT DATE: June 1, 1998
REPORT TIME: 5:03 PM
Accepts and No Responses
Ms. Elissa Bassler
Director of Public Policy, Day Care Action Council of Illinlis
Chicago, IL
Guest: Ms. Valerie Parrish
Ms. Andrea Bauman
Articles Editor, Redbook
New York, NY
Ms. Mary Beth Berkson
Group Media Manager, Helene Curtis Industries, Inc.
Chicago, IL
Hon. Marsha Berry
Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Communications to the First Lady, White House
Washington, DC
Ms. Cathleen Black
President, Hearst Magazines Division
New York, NY
Guest: Ms. Alison Harvey
Ms. Helen Blank
Director, Child Care Division, Children's Defense Fund
Washington, DC
Ms. Mary Bourdette
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation, US Department of Health & Human Services
Washington, DC
Hon. Barbara Chow
Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs (Senate), Office of Legislative Affairs (Senate)
Washington, DC
Mr. Michael Clinton
Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Hearst Magazines Division
New York, NY
Ms. Marie Elizabeth Cocco
Newsday
Washington, DC
Hon. (Sen.) Susan M. Collins
R/Maine, United States Senate
Hon. Lynn G. Cutler
Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs, White House Office of Intergovernmental
Affairs
Washington, DC
Ms. Natalie Danysh
Vice President, Marketing, Unileber Home and Personal Care, USA
Greenwich, CT
Ms. Adriana DeKanter
Deputy Director, Planning and Education Service, Department of Education
Washington, DC
For Official Government Use Only
Page 2
REPORT DATE: June 1, 1998
REPORT TIME: 5:03 PM
Accepts and No Responses
Ms. Delia deLisser
Director of Advertising, Avon
New York, NY
Mr. Duane Dennis
Executive Director, Child and Family Services
Los Angeles, CA
Mrs. Lida A. Devino
Executive Vice President, Managing Director, Bates Manhattan
New York, NY
Mr. David Drescher
Vice President Marketing & Advertising, Jockey International
Kenosha, WI
Ms. Eden Fisher Durbin
Director of Public Policy, YMCA USA
Washington, DC
Ms. Tamara Eberlein
Writer, Redbook
Ridgefield, CT
Ms. Yvonne P. Edwards
Salinas, CA
Guest: Mr. Roderick C. Walker
Ms. Elaine Fersh
Director, Parents United for Child Care
Boston, MA
Guest: Mr. Patrick McGuigan
Ms. Joan Freedman
Account Manager, Redbook
New York, NY
Ms. Ellen Galinsky
Co-President, Families & Work Institute
New York, NY
Hon. Olivia Golden
Assistant Secretary for Children & Families, Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, DC
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Gore
The White House
Washington, DC
Ms. Abigail Greene
Managing Editor, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Ms. Jenni Grisso
Ad Director for Riders, Lee Apparel Company
Merriam, KS
For Official Government Use Only
Page 3
REPORT DATE: June 1, 1998
REPORT TIME: 5:03 PM
Accepts and No Responses
Mr. Steven Grune
Advertising Director, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Ms. Mimi Hall
Correspondent, USA Today
Arlington, VA
Mr. Jeffrey W Hamill
Vice President, Corporate Advertising, Hearst Magazines
New York, NY
Hon. (Sen.) Orrin G. Hatch
R/Utah, United States Senate
Washington, DC
Ms. Audrey Tayes Haynes
Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of White House Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach,
White House Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach
Washington, DC
Ms. Toni Gerber Hope
Deputy Editor, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Ms. Mary Huhn
Reporter, The New York Post
New York, NY
Ms. Jayne Jamison
Vice President & Publisher, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Mrs. Shirley Jamison
Glenside, PA
Mr. Russell Hardin (Substitute for: Andrea Jung)
Group Vice President of Global Image and Advertising, Avon Products
New York, NY
Hon. Elena Kagan
Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, Office of the President
Washington, DC
Mr. Bill Kashimer
Director of US Media, Colgate Palmolive
New York, NY
Ms. Jennifer Kasle
Entertainment Editor, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Ms. Mary Kim
Marketing Director, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Ms. Jennifer Klein
Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, The White House
Washington, DC
For Official Government Use Only
Page 4
REPORT DATE: June 1, 1998
REPORT TIME: 5:03 PM
Accepts and No Responses
Ms. Nancy Kolben
Executive Director, Child Care, Inc.
New York, NY
Ms. Peggy Kreller
Promotion Manager, Helen Curtis
Chicago, IL
Ms. Ellen Kunes
Executive Editor, Redbook
New York, NY
Ms. Sandra K. Lamm
The Child Care Co.
Dallas, TX
Mrs. Nancy Jane Lee
VP/Gen Mgr Riders Mktg, Lee Apparel Compay
Merriam, KS
Mr. William Lenn
Media-Ethnic Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company
Detroit, MI
Hon. Ann F. Lewis
Assistant to the President & Director of Communications, The White House
Washington, DC
Ms. Pam Lister
Senior Editor, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Dr. Joan Lombardi
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy & External Affairs, US Department of Health and Human Services,
Washington, DC
Mr. Paul Luthringer
Director of Public Relations, Hearst Magazines Division
New York, NY
Ms. Linda A. Mason and Mr. Roger Brown
President, Bright Horizons Children's Centers
Cambridge, MA
Mr. Donald McAllister
Manager of Media Planning, Gillette Company
South Boston, MA
Ms. Linda Mellman
Sr VP/Media Diretor, Bates Manhattan
New York City, NY
Hon. Minyon Moore
Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Political Affairs, White House
Washington, DC
For Official Government Use Only
Page 5
REPORT DATE: June 1, 1998
REPORT TIME: 5:03 PM
Accepts and No Responses
Ms. Susan Muenchow
Florida's Children's Forum
Tallahassee, FL
Ms. Marsha U Munn
CCR & R Tech Assistant, North Carolina Partnership for Children
Raleigh, NC
Hon. Janet Murguia
Legislative Affairs
Washington, DC
Hon. (Sen.) Patty Murray and Mr. Robert Murray
D/Washington, United States Senate
Washington, DC
Mr. John Wallace Bartlett (Substitute for: Sanford Newman)
Hon. (Rep.) Eleanor Holmes Norton
(D/District of Columbia), US House of Representatives
Washington, DC
Ms. Eileen Mary O'Connor
White House Correspondent, CNN
Washington, DC
Ms. Lori O'Rourke
Director of Corporate Marketing, Liz Claiborne
New York, NY
Mr. James J. Ostroff
Fairchild Publications
Arlington, VA
Ms. Mary Beth Phillips
Trustline
Moraga, CA
Ms. Robin Pogrebin
Media Representative, The New York Times
New York, NY
Ms. Nicole Rabner
Office of the First Lady
Washington, DC
Ms. Dawn Raffel
Senior Editor, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Ms. Beverly Ranton
EIRC
Sewell, NJ
Mr. Jack Daniel Rehm
Eastern Advertising Manager, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
For Official Government Use Only
Page 6
REPORT DATE: June 1, 1998
REPORT TIME: 5:03 PM
Accepts and No Responses
Mrs. Martat T. Rosa
Child Care Resource Center, Inc.
Cambridge, MA
Ms. Sonya Ross
Associated Press
Washington, DC
Ms. Claire Shipman
NBC
Washington, DC
Ms. Elizabeth Shogren
Los Angeles Times
Washington, DC
Ms. Debra Shriver
Senior Vice President, Marketing Communications, Hearst Magazines Division
New York, NY
Ms. Janet Siroto
Senior Editor, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Ms. Helen J. Thomas
UPI
Washington, DC
Hon. Amy Weiss Tobe
Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary, White House
Washington, DC
Ms. Harriett S. Trangucci and Mr. Neale Trangucci
Trangucci-Shonkwiler Foundation
Summit, NJ
Ms. Karen Tumulty
Time
Washington, DC
Hon. Melanne Verveer
Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady, First Lady's Office
Washington, DC
Ms. Yasmina Vinci
Executive Director, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
Washington, DC
Ms. Susan Waters
Bureau Chief, W Magazine & Fairchild Publications
Washington, DC
Ms. Katrina Weinig
Office of Policy Development, Department of Justice
Washington, DC
Ms. Kathleen M. White
Editor-in-Chief, Redbook Magazine
New York, NY
Guest: Mr. Hunter Holbrook
For Official Government Use Only
Page 7
REPORT DATE: June 1, 1998
REPORT TIME: 5:03 PM
Accepts and No Responses
Ms. Jeannie Williams
News & Views Columnist, USA Today
New York, NY
Ms. Gail Wilson
President, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
Englewood, CO
Ms. Faith A. Wohl
Executive Director, Child Care Action Campaign
New York, NY
Ms. Elizabeth Youn
Account Manager, Redbook
New York, NY
For Official Government Use Only
Page 12
LEVEL 1 - 2 OF 2 STORIES
Copyright 1997 Information Access Company,
a Thomson Corporation Company;
ASAP
Copyright 1997 Hearst Corporation. All rights reserved.
Further reproduction prohibited.
Redbook
June, 1997
SECTION: No. 2, Vol. 189; Pg. 69; ISSN: 0034-2106
IAC-ACC-NO: 19441273
LENGTH: 1471 words
HEADLINE: Childcare 911: survival tips for the stressed; tips for the working
mother with a babysitter crisis: includes a related article on bringing a child
to work during a childcare crisis
BYLINE: Wiley, Kim Wright
BODY:
It's every working mother's nightmare: You've got a killer deadline and a.
the kids are sick, b. there's no after-school program this week, or C. your
babysitter's on vacation. Here's how to deal.
Every working mother has a story that goes something like this: After months
of overtime, Leslie, an advertising executive from Boston, was finally ready for
her big presentation to a client in Phoenix. On the morning she was scheduled to
fly out, you guessed it: The sitter didn't turn up. "I was beyond hysterical,"
Leslie recalls. "My husband was out of town, we had no family nearby, and I sure
couldn't turn to the neighbors with three kids under the age of 5."
Leslie wound up calling the client to reschedule, saying she'd slipped on
her icy driveway and sprained her ankle (something people in Phoenix are always
willing to believe about Bostonians). Why the lie? The sad truth is a woman
would rather fake being sick herself than admit she's not coming to work because
she's a mother. Bet you know this scenario firsthand: Whether your child is sick
or simply off from school, you feel torn and stressed out--even unprofessional
for not being able to juggle the different roles in your life.
While childcare crises are inevitable, they're more manageable than you
think. Granted, an empathetic boss is a huge plus, but even lacking that, you
can still cope using these savvy tips.
The Best-Kept Survival Secret
*
Don't let an emergency happen. Or at least limit their occurrence by
lining up your resources now (the specifics follow). "Force yourself to have a
fire drill," advises Monica, a mom of two grade-schoolers in Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin. "Ask yourself, 'What would I do if today were a snow day?' It forces
you to do research and prepare a backup plan, so you don't have to do the
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headless-chicken thing when a real emergency hits."
When Your Child Is Healthy
*
Canvas the usual suspects. Your kids' school is closed for Martin Luther
King Day; your office isn't. Or a snow day strikes. What to do? "If the
elementary school is closed, odds are, the high school will be too," says Diana,
a single mom of 8-year-old twins in Atlanta. "I book my favorite Friday-night
babysitter for the day." You can also assume other parents in your neighborhood
are in the same fix, so join forces: Either hire a sitter en masse or rotate
staying home on holidays, teacher workdays, and those days between the end of
school and beginning of camp. Or resort to bribery, as Stephanie, a medical
secretary who lives in Virginia Beach, does. "If I've really got to get to work,
I'm not above throwing myself on the mercy of an at-home mom on my block who I'm
friendly with. I offer to buy her a banquet of Chinese takeout if she'll look
after my son, and then follow up with flowers the next day."
*
Network in your neighborhood. If you're still in a fix--and if your child
doesn't suffer from stranger-anxiety--check out the neighborhood Y and scouting
groups, which usually offer fun, single-day "camps," says Nina Sazer O'Donnell,
senior associate at the Families and Work Institute in New York. Or try the
growing ranks of emergency childcare centers, which accept unscheduled drop-offs
in addition to enrolled kids. Unless you work for a big, progressive company
that has one on the premises, track down one of these centers in your local
yellow pages, or call the Child Care Aware Hotline, 800-424-2246, administered
by NACCRRA, a Washington, D.C.-based Organization whose members provide
childcare referrals nationwide.
When Your Child Is Sick
*
Don't let panic interfere with your priorities. It's the true nightmare:
The boss has blocked out the whole morning for a critical work session, and your
daughter wakes up spiking a 102-degree fever. No getting around it--if your
child is really sick, you want to--and have to--be with her. "Even though I've
got a live-in sitter, when Annie's really sick, I want to be the one to take her
to the doctor and stay with her," says Maureen, who manages a travel agency in
Corning, New York. "No work commitment is going to take precedence."
*
Don't exaggerate your child's illness. A word about placing the "I won't
be coming in today" call to the boss. My friend Janine wanted to stay home when
her infant had a bad cold, but felt he wasn't sick enough to merit this. So, she
tended to, uh, exaggerate, and say the cold was bronchitis. "Bad plan," Janine
admits now. "My boss began to see me as someone whose personal life was so
demanding that I couldn't handle more responsibility. Now I make it a point just
to say my son has a bad cold, but I'm sure I'll be working full-tilt again
tomorrow."
* Split a sick-kid day down the middle. Also known as, don't let your
husband disappear. Follow this example from Carole, a mom of two in Austin,
Texas. "Unless one of us has an office emergency, my husband and I cover an
ailing child in shifts. Going to work for a half day keeps either of us from
falling hopelessly behind."
*
Work from home. Often the best option if you know you're going to need
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several days out of the office. Granted, you're not going to get all your work
done in between doling out orange juice and playing games, but it's a nice
compromise. Anne Weisberg, a Westchester County, New York--based work-family
consultant and coauthor of Everything a Working Mother Needs to Know, advises,
"Call your supervisor and share your plan for getting your work done--'I can
come in Saturday morning to finish the billing,' or 'I can return calls as soon
as we're back from the doctor. Your boss will be relieved that you've figured
out some ways to stay up to speed."
*
Hire care for the little patient. What if you're faced with nothing more
than a runny nose and a low fever, or the last, noncontagious days of chicken
pox? You can get to the office, relatively guilt-free. What's known as
sick-child care or "get well" programs are springing up in many communities,
both as independent businesses and attached to standard childcare centers,
hospitals, and Ys. According to Ruth Anne Foote, director of special projects
for NACCRRA, they're for kids who've seen the doctor and are past the contagious
stage. Look for a program where they give your child the chance to play or loll
around, under the watchful eyes of trained caregivers. In-home care is also an
option, albeit a pricey one, in which a nurse or trained nanny will look after
your little one. To find these resources, check with your pediatrician's office
or call the Child Care Aware Hotline.
*
Bend the truth, if you must. Finally, the crucial question of honesty. How
many times can you slip on the ice before the jig is up? Some mothers swear by
coming clean: "Lying just compounds what's already a very stressful situation,"
says Randi, a Greensboro, North Carolina-based sales manager and the single
mother of a 4-year-old with asthma. But, say many women in the trenches, a lie
can be a must, like when staying home with your child for one more minute would
make you look like a serious shirker. Consider the case of Vicky, an accountant
and mom of three in San Diego: "We took a two-week vacation during income-tax
season, and I knew my boss was peeved. Then, the night we got back, my daughter
came down with a stomach virus, so I claimed to have a bug myself. A fairly
small fib, it turned out, considering that by the next day, she did.
RELATED ARTICLE: CAN YOU BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE OFFICE?
Your daughter's off from school for a day, or her bout of the flu is
lingering. Can she camp out in your office for the day? Here, six ways to tell.
*
DID YOU CHECK WITH YOUR BOSS FIRST? Call as early as possible and say,
"I'd like to bring Julie to work today so I can get this month's mailing out,
but would you prefer I stay home with her?" Never simply turn up with a child in
tow.
*
IS YOUR CHILD CONTAGIOUS? Then do everyone a favor and keep her home.
*
HOW OLD IS YOUR CHILD? If she's 4 or older, she can probably entertain
herself; any younger, and she's probably so high-maintenance you won't be very
productive.
*
WHAT'S THE MOOD AT YOUR WORKPLACE? It's fine to bring a kid to a friendly
mom-and-pop operation, but not to a tense, fastpaced brokerage house or a
medical office.
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*
DO YOU HAVE A PRIVATE OFFICE? You'll be in much better shape than if
you're in an open workplace, where your child's Legos may trip up traffic.
*
HAVE YOU WORN OUT YOUR CHILD'S WELCOME? Signs include usually open doors
suddenly shutting, thinly veiled "jokes" circulating about your kid paying rent,
or coworkers rolling their eyes and muttering under their breath. It may not be
nice, but hey, they're just trying to get their job done too. Take a hint.
Kim Wright Wiley is a freelance writer who would call in sick, if she could.
GRAPHIC: Illustration; Photograph
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
IAC-CREATE-DATE: July 1, 1997
LOAD-DATE: July 02, 1997
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LEVEL 1 - 1 OF 2 STORIES
Copyright 1997 Information Access Company,
a Thomson Corporation Company;
ASAP
Copyright 1997 Hearst Corporation. All rights reserved.
Further reproduction prohibited.
Redbook
November, 1997
SECTION: No. 1, Vol. 190; Pg. 144; ISSN: 0034-2106
IAC-ACC-NO: 19911539
LENGTH: 5098 words
HEADLINE: It's 10:00 a.m. Do you know what your sitter's doing? child care;
includes related article on day care dangers
BYLINE: Connor, Lee Lusardi; Gilbert, Susan
BODY:
Across the country, more and more parents are spying on their sitters with
hidden video cameras. Out-and-out abuse, like that hyped on TV, turns up
infrequently. But there's much more widespread problem that's leaving families
outraged.
After Sydelle Tabrizy learned she was pregnant, she looked into several
different childcare options for when she returned to work, and eventually
decided on an in-home caregiver. She proceeded cautiously, hiring the babysitter
before she even gave birth so that she had plenty of time to observe her. The
woman had been completely reliable and Tabrizy, 31, a psychotherapist in Irvine,
California, had grown close to her. But a year and a half later, she still felt
uneasy about leaving her child. When she heard about Babywatch, a nanny
videotaping service, from a friend, the temptation was too great--Tabrizy signed
up. "I was hoping to see great things on the tape," she recalls.
What Tabrizy saw instead: "Six hours of silence."
She was stunned as she viewed her caregiver reclining on the couch, watching
TV, while her 1 8-month-old daughter amused herself by walking around an ottoman
and playing with her toys. Tabrizy had specified that her daughter could watch
only public television, in limited amounts; the sitter had Spanish-language TV
on all day. The woman fed the child, put her down for her customary two-hour
nap, but barely spoke to her.
"When my daughter woke up and cried, the sitter went to get her. The baby
could walk down the stairs at the time, but she needed help--and the caregiver
just kind of grabbed her hand, dragged her down the stairs, ordered her to put
her shoes on in a tone different than any I'd heard her use. And that was the
main interaction on the tape," Tabrizy recounts. Deeply upset, she fired her
sitter the next day.
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THE "OTHER" ABUSE
With that experience, Tabrizy joined the growing ranks of parents who check
up on their in-home caregivers by using hidden video cameras, only to find out
that the sitter is not behaving the way they expected. Not by a long shot. In
fact, 70 percent of the parents who tape their caregivers through Babywatch end
up firing them, according to the service. But not because the sitter has
physically abused her charges. The horrifying clips shown on Primetime Live,
Oprah, and other news and talk shows make riveting TV, but, say experts, they
misrepresent the true problem parents are finding with their sitters. "The fact
is, only I to 2 percent of these cases are outright physical abuse, notes
Richard Heilweil, vice president of Babywatch Corporation, the leader in the
nannycam field with providers in more than 25 U.S. cities. "The real issue is
poor job performance by caregivers: neglect, lack of interaction, or simply
misleading the parents."
Neglect can take many forms. "Some of my clients have seen that their child
was only given one bottle during the whole day," says Deborah Truncale, who
operates Babywatch of Morristown, New Jersey. "They've seen a child put in the
crib even when it wasn't nap time, while the sitter went downstairs and slept on
the couch or watched TV. They see their child go up to the sitter with a book in
his hand, and the sitter throws the book across the room and tells the child to
go away.'
Such indifferent treatment may not formally qualify as "child abuse. But
clearly, children in such cases are not receiving the kind of positive, frequent
verbal interaction that widely publicized new research shows is important to a
young child's intellectual and language development. And parents don't need to
have read the latest studies to be appalled--or spooked. Owners of "nannycam"
services insist that the majority of their clients are parents who believe they
have a good caregiver but--frightened by news reports--just want to make sure.
Time and again, the services say, new clients explain that their sitter is
wonderful, warm, and loving to their child. That she provides wonderful
activities--taking him to the park, reading books about colors and shapes, doing
puzzles. "She is, they say, "a part of our family."
Instead, close to three-quarters of the tapes reveal that none of those warm
and enriching activities actually took place. And, in one of the creepiest
aspects of the whole phenomenon, the tapes show that a caregiver who is loving
and attentive when a parent is present shifts into a new and indifferent mode as
soon as the parent leaves. "It's like a switch going off," says Heilweil. "The
caregiver thinks her audience is the parent, not the child. And when Mom and Dad
walk out the door, the performance is over."
WHO'S MINDING THE SITTER?
No one is really certain how many in-home caregivers are at work in the U.S.
today--the best estimate is between 1 and 3 million. "The numbers are constantly
shifting as mothers go in and out of the workplace," explains Wendy Sachs,
former president of the International Nanny Association in New Jersey. And
numerous nanny jobs go unreported because many parents pay their sitters "off
the books" to avoid paying Social Security and other taxes.
Only a small percentage of parents who employ in-home caregivers videotape
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them--Heilweil estimates that perhaps 1,000 clients have used his services so
far--but anecdotal evidence suggests that number is growing. "There are two
reasons," says Kevin Hooks, owner of Interprobe, a private investigative firm
in Fairfax, Virginia. "Parents are becoming more aware that these services are
available. And the technology is becoming cheaper as time goes on, making this a
more cost-effective way of getting answers." Even now, videotaping sitters is
relatively affordable, with equipment rental prices starting at $ 50 a day.
And it's legal. To date, federal law doesn't address videotaping in the
workplace, according to Rebecca Locketz, legal director of the American Civil
Liberties Union's workplace rights project, though some restrictions apply in a
few states. However, audiotaping of private conversations is illegal--meaning
that if you inadvertently tape a sitter's private phone conversation, you have
technically broken federal law. Parents who use videotape without sound are, in
general, on safe ground.
"SHE WAS OUR BEST BABYSITTER YET"
Still, most parents play it safe and tape in secret. "Eileen Adams," one of
the many parents who refused to give her name because she fears reprisal from
her fommer sitter, videotaped her children's caregiver after the woman had been
working for the family for a year and a half. A suburban Boston mother of three,
Adams had had three previous nannies in her nine years as a working mother, and
this one, she believed, was her best yet. "As far as I was concerned, the
caregiver was as crazy about my kids as I was," Adams recalls.
Nonetheless, something--a chance comment by her 4-year-old that indicated
he'd been told to "shut up," # an increasing sense of unease--led Adams to arrange
for two days of taping with a hidden "nannycam." On day one, after the kids had
gone to bed, Adams and her husband settled down to watch the videotape. Adams
saw herself kissing the baby good-bye and heading out the door at 8:30 that
morning. The tape shows the sitter and 16-month-old baby at the front door,
waving good-bye. Door closes. Sitter takes baby upstairs, presumably to put him
in his crib. Moments later, she comes down, gets herself a bowl of cereal, and
begins watching television.
It was at this point that Adams felt her blood begin to run cold. Why was
the baby being put down for a nap when he'd only gotten up an hour and a half
before? Almost equally upsetting were the cereal and the TV. "Is that so
heinous? No. I don't care that she sits on my couch and eats cereal. But I
offered her food many times and she always refused. She also said she never
watched TV. She created an image for me that was totally false. It made me
crazy. What else was she lying about?"
The caregiver's lackluster performance continued for the rest of the day.
The baby was left in his crib for most of the morning; he was eventually
retrieved, given his bottle, had his diaper changed. The sitter then rested on
the couch and watched more TV while the baby "milled around," Adams recalls. "At
one point he playfully poked her in the head--remember, he's a year and a half
old--and she takes her finger and pokes him right back. You even see his head
jerk."
At noon, the sitter answers Adams's check-in call and assures her that she
and the baby played in the backyard all morning and the baby loved it. A while
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later, Adams's 4-year-old arrives home from preschool on a bus. "He plopped in
front of the TV and she went about her business, didn't try to play a game with
him, read a story, or whatever. It was clear that her MO was to ignore him as
much as possible. And at his age, he couldn't really tell me what happened
when I wasn't home."
Adams is galled by her sense of having been fooled despite her best efforts.
She'd checked out her sitter's reference, a respectable professional couple with
four children, who sang the woman's praises. Adams spent days with her sitter
while on maternity leave with her youngest child; back at work, she called
regularly to check on how things were going. And her oldest child, 11, was of an
age to be able to report any problems. "But my sitter was shrewd," Adams says.
"She was perfectly fine to the younger children when my oldest was around."
Adams now believes that the reference the sitter gave was either faked--the
couple were friends of hers--or that her sitter pulled the wool over her
previous employers' eyes as well.
"I really believe that if I, being such an experienced working parent, could
be hoodwinked, anybody could," Adams says. "And it haunts me to know that that
woman is probably watching somebody else's children right now."
WHOSE FAULT IS IT?
There are people who would say Adams and other parents who've had neglectful
sitters simply didn't hire right. Wendy Sachs, who also owns a nanny placement
agency in Philadelphia, thinks videotaping is largely media hype and says only
one or two families who've used her placement service have ever expressed any
interest in it. "When I see those film clips of abusive nannies on TV, my
thought is, Where did they get this person? The families who are having problems
are the ones who are not using the really pristine agencies," claims Sachs.
Jeff Jones, owner of the Elite Alternatives nanny placement agency in
Dallas, offers hidden videotaping to any of his clients who want it, but says in
three years only three families have used it. And the result? "Everything was
fine," Jones says. He attributes his successful placement record to his rigorous
pre-screening of candidates, which includes a medical exam, a psychological
evaluation, a detailed reference check, and Jones's own "gut feeling" about a
person. His candidates, he says, tend to be highly motivated in their work
because they do it in conjunction with other professional goals, such as getting
a master's degree in child development.
Joy Shelton, founder and president of the American Council of Nanny Schools,
says she's had no reports of videotaping from the 600 nannies who've graduated
from U.S. schools. In any case, a nanny school graduate, she notes, would have
nothing to fear. "They are trained to use the soundest behavior-management
techniques for children," she says, "whether it's potty training, developing
good eating habits, or building a sense of responsibility." According to
Shelton, a professional nanny follows a structure much like that of a good day
care center, with a varied schedule, creative thinking exercises, and activities
designed to build gross and fine motor skills.
"The real problem." Shelton says, "is that there are many more placement
agencies than there are [trained] nannies to place. I think many times, parents
are so desperate for childcare, they settle for far less than they should."
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She's got that right, says Judith S. Lederman, a suburban New York mother of
three and a public relations executive. In the past decade, she has had more
than 25 childcare situations, including nannies, au pairs, day care centers, and
family day care setups, and she admits her choices were often driven by
pressure. "Working mothers don't have the luxury of waiting for the perfect
person to finally surface," " she says. "Who can wait three or six months for
childcare when you work for someone else?" According to Lederman, author of
Searching for Mary Poppins: Childcare Chills & Nightmare Nannies, due to be
published next spring, "There's a real temptation to hire somebody just because
she's living, breathing, and can start on Monday."
As for training and education--well, the paragons cited by Jones and Shelton
are few and far between. And they're being snapped up by families who can offer
handsome salaries and cushy benefits. By contrast, many in-home sitters are
simply local women or moms who need to earn extra money. And since most parents
haven't had child-development training themselves, they're willing to cut their
sitter some slack on this point. They count as experience the fact that she may
have raised children of her own--even though they might not know how she raised
them.
"If you look at who many caregivers are, and how they brought up their own
children, that would be strikingly different from how the average middle-class
American parent raises her children," says Julia Wrigley, Ph.D., associate
professor of sociology at the City University of New York Graduate Center and
author of Other People's Children, one of the few in-depth studies of the modern
American nanny setup. "For example, intensive language use is a class-related
phenomenon. A middle-class view of what constitutes good childcare is to talk to
the children a lot, joke with them," Dr. Wrigley explains. A babysitter from a
lower socioeconomic class, on the other hand, may believe she's doing a fine job
even though she doesn't speak much to the child.
Even the parent who signs up with what she believes is a reputable
agency--assuming she can afford the hefty fees--gets limited guarantees.
References, as Eileen Adams found, can be wildly misleading. Moreover, the
criminal checks so proudly advertised by agencies are usually inadequate,
because most cover only the state in which the caregiver currently claims
residence. Therefore, a person who has, say, shoplifting, traffic violations, or
even child molestation on her record in Illinois can move to Texas and come up
with a clean criminal check--unless a private investigator is hired to look
closely into her past.
GOOD PARENTS, BAD BOSSES?
"Ken Unger," father of a 7-month-old boy, rejected the agency route when it
came time to hire childcare for his son. "I wouldn't have minded spending the $
1,000 or $ 1,500 fee if I thought there was a guarantee," the Hackensack, New
Jersey, sales executive says, "but the best they would promise is a replacement
in 30 to 60 days if the sitter you hired didn't work out." Instead, he and his
wife chose their first caregiver--the sister of a good friend's sitter--on the
enthusiastic recommendation of the woman's former employer.
"She'd been with us for a month, and we thought she was excellent," Unger
recalls, "but then another friend of mine told me they had videotaped their
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sitter and couldn't believe what they saw. She was berating their 2-year-old
daughter, really making her feel bad, whenever she had a bowel movement in her
diaper. When we heard that, we figured we'd better use the videotape," says
Unger.
"Within the first hour of the tape, we knew this was not the babysitter we
wanted," says Unger. "I saw her lazing on the couch, watching The Price is
Right, while the baby cried in the background. At one point she was on the floor
interacting with him and he started to have one of his fits--he was very colicky
at that time--and she slapped him on the legs." Unger called the caregiver and
told her not to bother coming back the next day. "Later, when I looked closely
at our phone bill, I saw that she was on the phone to her sister several times a
day, for 20 or 30 minutes at a time."
"I'm not surprised that so many parents are disappointed when they videotape
their sitters," says Dr. Wrigley, who interviewed both caregivers and their
employers for her book. "Parents do construct a fantasy that this sitter is
solving their problems about being in the workplace and needing to leave their
child with someone. They feel they know her, but they only know her
fractionally. They may also have a very demanding set of expectations which they
themselves can't always live up to."
Some experts think that parents are simply poor managers. "Too often, people
go to work and leave the caregiver alone on her very first day," says Sachs.
"Parents think, 'She's done this before, she'll know what to do,' but they don't
take the time to train the caregiver in the ways of their household."
Employees need direction, Sachs stresses. "A lot of parents tell the
caregiver, 'I want you to do all kinds of activities with my child.' In the
parent's mind, that translates into 'I told her what I wanted her to do.' But
that's different from, 'On Thursday, go to story time at the library. On Friday,
do painting, she says.
No doubt many parents do make mistakes when it comes to interviewing,
hiring, and monitoring their caregivers. That still doesn't let some sitters off
the hook. "Overall, there's no excuse for what we see on the tapes it's
horrible," says Christine Casey, who founded the Child Watch nannycam agency in
Seattle and Tacoma, and is about to expand to Santa Monica California. "I'd say
90 percent of our findings come back in some negative fashion. There have been
cases where a sitter has left an infant in a crib for the entire day. One tape
showed that a sitter had her boyfriend over and had intercourse in front of a
3-year-old. You name it, we've seen it on tape."
Darcy Donnelly, who until last summer ran her own nannycam company, Baby's
Private Eye, in suburban Detroit, says her clients have seen children left alone
in the house while the sitter went out to have a cigarette, ignored as they
stood crying for their mothers, and threatened or called names: stupid, fat,
ugly. Yet even preschoolers seem to accept this behavior--not that they have
much choice--and never mention it to their parents. Babies, of course, are too
young to tell.
A MATTER OF LUCK?
So far, the news from the nannycam front is not as reassuring as many working
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parents had hoped. But the reports aren't all bad. Some clients are indeed
delighted to discover that their instincts weren't wrong after all. "Ann Brown"
agreed to talk about her experience only on the grounds of strictest
confidentiality, because she and her husband can't bear the thought that their
sitter might find out what they did, get mad, and quit. The Browns videotaped
their sitter after watching a news program that showed a video clip of a
caregiver abusing her charge. The couple couldn't sleep that night. They
thought
the world of the* sitter--but so had the parents interviewed on TV. Reluctantly,
the Browns decided to go ahead.
And they were delighted. "I saw love on the tape," Brown says. "She hugged
him, told him she loved him, was constantly paying attention to him. She read
him books, they threw the ball, they did ABCs. At one point he was acting up,
being a bit of a devil--which I know he can be--and she handled him beautifully.
"I had wondered, all this hugging and kissing she did with my child when I
was there--could it be an act? But it went on all day." And for the second and
third days of taping, too.
"So now,' Brown says cheerfully, "I go out the door in the morning and I
feel great about the person I'm leaving my child with. We're not like the people
we saw on TV. We got lucky."
The problem is, it shouldn't have to be a matter of luck. In the long run,
consistently high standards of childcare will require major changes in society:
More respect for childcare issues on the part of employers. Training and
certification requirements for caregivers. Access to accurate criminal
background checks. Higher pay and more respect for the childcare profession in
order to make it an appealing career option for bright, capable people.
That's the long run. The reality is that parents have to go to work in the
short run, like tomorrow. If the nannycam controversy proves anything, it's how
hard parents have to work--asking the right questions, seeking documentation,
seeing for themselves--to make sure their childcare arrangements are up to par.
We all take a leap of faith when we hand our children over to another adult. The
trick is to make that leap a little shorter--sometimes using any means at our
disposal.
RELATED ARTICLE: Day Care Danger Parents Don't Hear About
Since the advent of day care, parents have worried about how their children
will fare in such an environment. And last year, some good news finally came our
way: The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development released some
initial results from an ongoing study indicating that infants in day care were
able to maintain a secure bond with their mothers. At last, reassurance for many
that their babies would turn out okay.
But some negatives also came out 'of that same study: For one, caregivers in
larger group environments were found to be less sensitive to the needs of
infants than those in smaller centers. And the overall quality of child-care had
to be high, or the intellectual and language development and language
development of children under 3 years of age would be compromised, researchers
discovered. So for the estimated 4.6 million children in licensed day care, and
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the many more who can't be counted in family day care arrangements, the grim
statistics keep pouring in. Consider these recent findings:
*
Forty percent of the day care centers in this country don't meet minimal
standards for health, safety, learning, and nurturing, according to a national
study conducted by the University of Colorado at Denver.
*
While a child in an accredited center has a greater chance of getting
high-quality care, it's not a guarantee; Nearly two in five accredited centers
were rated mediocre by another study sponsored by the National Center for the
Early Childhood Work Force. Part of the problem, according to many experts: Once
centers become accredited, they are revisited infrequently, so there is little
incentive to maintain those standards daily.
* Kids in low-quality day care had poorer language, premath, and social
skills, according to the University of Colorado researchers. And a study
currently under way is indicating that the effects persist into elementary
school, says Ellen Peisner-Feinberg, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist at the
University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill who is doing the follow-up research.
"In run-of-the-mill childcare, there are lost opportunities," emphasizes Jay
Belsky, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of human development at Penn State
University and a longtime care researcher participating in the study. "There are
not frequently devastating consequences, but that shouldn't be our standard."
Danger Signals
As with at-home sitter, the biggest problems in group day care are not the
horror stories you hear on the news--the child whose drawstring hanged him on a
playground slide, the toddler who wandered outside and was run down by a car,
the baby who choked to death while lying in a crib--not that these incidents are
to be taken lightly. But it is the smaller, more subtle care issues that can
easily go undetected, gradually threatening kids' emotional health and
well-being.
OVERCROWDING Many states allow day care centers and family day care homes to
have fewer adults for the number of children served than is currently
recommended for adequate care. The National Association for the Education of
Young Children (NAEYC), the leading organization for early childhood education,
which is also responsible for certifying childcare centers in the U.S.,
recommends that children under 2 be in groups of eight or less, with a ratio of.
at least one care provider to every four kids. Children ages 2 and 3 should be
in groups of no more than 14 with a ratio of one to seven. And 4- and
5-year-olds should be in groups of no more than 20 with a one-to-ten ratio.
By contrast, some states, such New Mexico and Louisiana, permit one adult to
care for 6 infants, and they place no limit on group size. The larger the group
and the fewer the adults, the greater the potential for accidents and other
safety hazards, experts say. And the greater the risk to a child's development,
especially during infancy.
Many babies manage to adjust to the lack of attention. They stop crying to
be held and simply lie quietly in their cribs or infant seats. But their
apparent contentment doesn't mean they're okay. Quite the opposite, says Debby
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Cryer, Ph.D., an early childhood researcher at the University of North Carolina
in Chapel Hill. "Eventually, they become apathetic," she says.
And apathetic babies are at a disadvantage because they don't demand--and
therefore don't get--the attention they need in order to learn how to speak, how
to understand, and how to trust and play with others.
LACK OF STIMULATION Not only are many childcare programs unimaginative,
they're downright boring. One of the most common problems with the licensed day
care centers in the University of Colorado's national study was that "kids
didn't have enough appropriate activities," says Mary L. Culkin, Ph.D., a
principal investigator. "There was a lack of equipment, and not enough
opportunities to learn."
What passes for "art" in low-quality day care programs is often a coloring
book rather than blank páper to draw or paint on. And when children are engaged
in a worthwhile activity, like putting together a puzzle, caregivers often do
nothing to help them learn to do it better. "They don't get down and speak to
the children at their eye level, they don't listen to or respond to the child,"
says Barbara Willer, spokeswoman for the NAEYC.
Without enough engaging activities and interaction, kids can tend to get
into mischief. "You may see children who are out of control, acting disruptive,"
says Joan Benso, director of the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a
children's advocacy group in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The problem snowballs:
Caregivers often try to keep the overactive kids in line, mainly by overusing
time-outs, she says. Or they "sedate" them by turning on the tube.
INADEQUATE TRAINING Not surprisingly, the facilities with the best activities
have the most experienced staff. Requirements vary from state to state. While a
child-specific (education, psychology) degree is most desirable, parents should
expect ongoing training in early childhood education, at a minimum, according to
NAEYC. Such training helps caregivers nurture kids emotionally and
intellectually. "They should listen to children, ask them open-ended questions,
and offer a variety of activities," explains Willer. Like what? It seems
painfully obvious: A mix of creative play (drawing and painting), manipulative
play (puzzles and blocks), quiet activities (listening to stories), and
energetic fun (climbing on a jungle gym), she says.
THREATENING ENVIRONMENTS Of all the problems with childcare, safety hazards
should be the easiest to spot. But that's not always the case: "Even at "good"
centers, there's almost never appropriate cushioning under playground
equipment, " says Dr. Cryer. NAEYC recommends protective material like wood chips
beneath outdoor swing sets and padding or well-cushioned carpet beneath indoor
climbing toys. Other potential hazards: fountains and pools that aren't fenced
in, toy boxes without safety hinges on the lids, the use of walkers--the most
injury prone of infant equipment--and unsafe practices, such as putting young
babies to sleep on their stomachs instead of their backs--a situation the
American Academy of Pediatrics recently found to be occurring at least some of
the time in nearly half of day care centers.
If you discover that your child is in one of these less than stellar
centers, and the operators don't seem open to fixing the problem, the obvious
answer is to find a better day care environment. And that tactic may work fine
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for your family in the short run.
But the bigger picture requires that government, businesses, and parents
work together to develop better childcare programs and more stringent forms of
control. Fortunately, that's beginning to happen: States like Florida,
California, Colorado, Oregon, and Ohio are requiring staff-to-child ratios that
match NAEYC recommendations and also that caregivers meet specific
qualifications. And Colorado has become the first state to set up regional
referral offices where parents can go to check computerized day care center
records. Parents in other states can call the Child Care Aware toll-free hot
line (800-424-2246) for the name of a local referral agency. Now, it's up to
parents to do their homework, and to report bad experiences before they affect
other families, too.
Susan Gilbert writes frequently on children's health.
RELATED ARTICLE: Smart Ways to Check on Your Sitter
Does the thought of using a nannycam go against your grain? Plenty of experts
believe parents can keep on top of their childcare situation without cameras.
Some tips:
*
BE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT HOW YOU WANT YOUR CAREGIVER AND CHILD TO SPEND
THEIR DAYS. Ash her to keep a written log of their activities, or make up a
daily worksheet with spaces she can fill in for different segments of the day.
Either way, a daily log is the sort of thing that's hard for a slacker to fake
on an ongoing basis.
*
SET ASIDE TIME FOR A WEEKLY CATCH-UP. Talk about everything from whether
there's been enough milk in the house to how to keep Johnny from climbing on the
table.
*
OBSERVE THE SITTER IN ACTION AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, perhaps by working at
home one afternoon a month with an ear open. The way a caregiver disciplines a
child, or reacts under stress, can be picked up without a videotape.
*
ENLIST THE HELP OF OTHER OBSERVER. Candidly solicit the watchful eyes of
trusted people in your neighborhood. Tell them you're trying your best to
evaluate your sitter and would appreciate any input they can pass along.
GRAPHIC: Photograph; Illustration
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
IAC-CREATE-DATE: December 1, 1997
LOAD-DATE: December 02, 1997
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To: Mrs. Clinton
From: Marsha Berry
Re: Redbook Lunch
Date: June 1, 1998
You are hosting a luncheon tomorrow honoring Redbook Magazine's first tribute to
women who have made a difference in the area of child care. Their June issue features a special
report on child care that highlights the 8 women Redbook is saluting. These women are involved
in all areas of child care. A copy of the report is attached and the winners include:
Harriet Trangucci from Summit, NJ, who established an emergency child care fund for
families in crisis;
Elaine Fersh from Boston, MA, who started Parents United for Child Care which focuses
on after school care;
Mary Beth Phillips from Moraga, CA, who started a program called Trustline which does
background checks on child care givers;
Elissa Bassler from Chicago, IL, who works for the Day Care Action Council of Illinois
to lobby the legislature on behalf of child care;
Yvonne Edwards from Salinas, CA, she works to provide sites that combine child care
and family medical services;
Linda Mason from Cambridge, MA, she works with CEO's to establish child care
centers;
Senator Patty Murray, for her work in Congress on behalf of child care, and;
Rosie O'Donnell, for her establishing the For All Kids Foundation.
Also attending the luncheon are members of Congress, press who have reported on child
care issues, and child care advocates.
40. 1998 12:00PM
From: REDBOOK
Dan Klores Associates, Inc.
Public Relations - (212) 685-4300
Contact: Susan Graziano/Lenore Moritz
For immediate release
REDBOOK'S "MOTHERS & SHAKERS OF 1998" TO BE GUESTS OF HONOR AT A
WHITE HOUSE LUNCHEON HOSTED BY HILLARY CLINTON
Eight Dynamic Women Cited for their Efforts on Behalf of Childcare
Issues are the First Recipients of Redbook's Diatinguished Award
Redbooks "Mothers & Shakers of 1998" - eight women who are committed to
improving the quality of childcare - will be honored on June 2,1998, at a White House
ceremony hosted by Hillary Clinton.
Redbook's Editor-in-Chief, Kate White, said that these woman, who are profiled in the
magazine's June issue, have fought passionately for kids and families.
"The emergence of childcare as a national issue is a direct result of effort by women,
such as the ones we have recognized," said White. "Whether as local advocates,
business executives, legislators or phllanthropists, these amazing women have found
Imaginative solutions for their own communities, and by example, for all of us."
Along with award winners U.S. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, who has co-
sponsored all the major childcare legislation of the past six years, and Rosie O'Donnell,
whose For All Kids Foundation so far has distributed $1.5 million to 105 child-related
charities, Redbook's "Mothers & Shakers of 1998," include:
Harriett Trangucci - who established and supports an emergency childcare fund at
the Summit Child Care Centers in Summit, NJ.
Elaine Fersh . a Boston activist whose group, Parents United for Child Care,
helped develop before-and-after school programs for older kids.
Mary Beth Phillips - a San Francisco mother whose infant daughter lost her sight
after being injured by a babysitter. Phillips lobbied tirelessly for TrustLine, a state
certifying service that checks whether a caregiver has a criminal or child-abuse
record.
Elissa Bassier - the director of public policy for the Day Care Action Council of
Illinois, who got a $100 million grant from the Illinois legislature - the largest state
childcare grant over.
Yvonne Edwards a childcare coordinator for California's Monterey County, who
recently led a team effort to form a state-of-the-art childcare and woman's health
services center.
Linda Mason - of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who convinced CEOs of the need for
high quality on-site child development programs. There are now more than 160
Bright Horizons Child Centers, serving some 14,000 children at major corporations
across the U.S.
###
THE REDBOOK REPORT
CHILDCARE:
june
1998
WHAT
WORKS BEST
FOR
IT'S TOUGH ENOUGH LEAVING YOUR
CHILDREN WITHOUT ALSO WORRYING THAT
children under 5 are in high-quality childcare pro-
grams, according to Ellen Galinsky, president of
YOU'RE SHORTCHANGING THEM
the Families and Work Institute. About 75 percent
rate as mediocre. The rest, including 35 to 40 per-
EMOTIONALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY. YOU
cent of programs for infants,
are so poor as to jeopardize
4 WAYS THE BEST
WON'T BE, SAY EXPERTS, IF YOU LOOK FOR
children's health or develop-
PROGRAMS
ment, says Galinsky.
THESE SEVEN SIGNS. BY TAMARA EBERLEIN
These disheartening staris-
PROMOTE LEARNING
ties apply even in "nice"
Talk baby talk (with
middle-class communities. Or
babies, that Is), and use every
THE FIRST DAY CARE CENTER AMY MARZ VISITED WAS
make that especially: "Low-
apportanity to boost older
shiny bright and new. But still the 35-year-old mother
income children who use center-
kids' language skills.
of then 2- and 3-year-old daughters nearly cried as
based arrangements are likelier to
Play music. Early exposura
she walked back to her car. "It was so institutional-
be in government-subsidized pro-
to Mozart at at. can stimulate
16 identical cribs, 16 high chairs, 16 bouncy sears in a
grams, which must meet strict
brain areas associated with
row. Worse, every child had a name tag. Didn't the
standards," says Galinsky. "And
later aptitude in math.
teachers even know the children's names?" Then
high-income parents can afford
Devota at least three hours a
Marz, a flight instructor in Fort Myers, Florida, found
top-notch care. But the families in
day to free play. Not only does
a ruly homey day care program for her children.
the middle typically get left out."
freedom to choose activities fas-
"Yeah, the carpet was old," she says, "but the hus-
How can you ensure that you
tor decision-making skills, says
band-and-wife team knew each child intimately."
don't get "left out"? That your
Amy Flynn. director of the Bank
As Marz learned, the best childcare-whether an
child receives the nurturing,
Street Family Center In New York,
informal family day care home for toddlers or an-after-
stimulating care he needs to
but If choices are restricted. a
school program for preteens-doesn't always look
thrive? By going beyond the con-
spirited child will feel trustrated
that way. Similarly, it may be hard to recognize bad
ventional checklists of what to
and a timid one, Inadequate.
programs. Indeed, most parents rate their childcare as
look for when evaluating child-
Keep supplies-crafts, tissues.
"good to excellent," even when objective measures
care programs. That's not to say
toys-within children's reach. It's
show it to be substandard. And "substandard" is more
that safety, cleanliness, and
convenient for staff-and being
typical than you may realize: Only 12 to 14 percent of
licensing (keystones of such lists)
able to find what they need on
their own helps kids develop a
sense of competence.
90
REDBOOK
581
THE REDBOOK REPORT
Great Childc
aren't critical. But those are only the
kid's-ultra-energetic, noticeably shy,
beginning, say leading educators and
stubborn, whatever-and watch how
child development experts. You also
caregivers treat her. Are they skilled at
FROM CLASSROOMS TO
need to check for the following, often
channeling pep into some challenging
more subtle. hallmarks of superb care.
project? Coaxing a quiet kid out of
COURTROOMS TO THE HALLS
1. Relationships are warm and
the corner? Eliciting cooperation at
cleanup time when the child insists on
OF CONGRESS, THE EIGHT
affectionate. "The quality of care is
building one more Lego spaceship?
WINNERS OF REDBOOK'S
primarily determined by the quality of
the relationship between teacher and
3. The staff is well trained.
"AMAZING WOMEN OF 1998"
child." says Joanne Hendrick, Ph.D.,
"In some states," warns Galinsky, "all
professor emerita of early childhood
you have to do to become a childcare
AWARD HAVE FOUGHT
education at the University of
provider is be alive and breathing and
Oklahoma and host of the 13-part PBS
over 18 years old." Look for a bache-
PASSIONATELY FOR KIDS-
series The Whole Child. That's
lor's or master's degree in education
AND FAMILIES
because children's early emotional
or psychology or a child development
attachments actually affect the way
associate (CDA) certificate. Realize,
their brains work and grow. Kids learn
though, that an administrator's string
When the White House announced its childcare ini-
faster, make friends more easily, and
of credentials means little if the
tiative last January, it was remarkable for the atten-
have higher self-esteem, studies show,
hands-on caregivers are unqualified.
tion paid to just about every aspect of this
So in visiting a day care center, you
An after-school program director's
issue-and for who was paying the attention. What
want to see genuine fondness-staff
Ph.D. impressed one mother until she
had once been a private problem-one that each
members cuddling babies, giggling
realized her son's afternoons were
family scrabbled to solve as best It could-had now
with toddlers. With an older group.
acrually spent with teenage counselors
drawn the Interest of the President of the United
you should find kids running to teach-
who were bored and sullen.
States, the Vice President, cabinet members, and a
ers for a hello hug or a kiss on a
host of other national leaders. "Half of all mothers
banged elbow, Such physical affection
4. Teachers understand child
with children under one year of age are working out-
not only leads to smiles, it also stimu-
development. Some signs are obvi-
side the home," observes First Lady Hillary Rodham
lates the brain to release hormones that
ous. Says Flynn, "If the toddler
Clinton, "and demand for quality care is growing.
help children feel comforted. What
room has only one of each type of
We all must be involved In finding salutions."
you should not see: children running
toy, management clearly doesn't
-In large part, the astonishing emergence of
to visitors for hugs. "Parents often
understand that very young children
childcare as a national issue has to do with years
misinterpret this as, 'Oh, kids here are
don't share well."
of effort by women across the country, women
so friendly.' But in truth it means
In a super center, though, insight
who've been working tirelessly to make the issue a
they're hungry for attention and affec-
goes deeper. "My 3-year-old wasn't
high priority. Whether as local advocates, business
tion they should be getting from the
good about waiting his turn." admits
executives, legislators, or philanthropists, these
caregiver," explains Dr. Hendrick.
one mom. "He'd see a kid playing
women have found imaginative solutions for their
with a truck and try to snatch it away.
own communities-and, by example, for all of US.
2. Teachers are responsive.
I'd offer him a different truck, but
They are the recipients of Radbooks "Amazing
Beyond affection, caregivers must be
that just made him madder." Then the
Wamen of 1998" award.
consistently attentive. With an infant.
boy's teacher explained, "He doesn't
responsiveness means smiling back
really want the truck; he wants to
SENATOR PATTY MURRAY
when he grins and talking back when
play with that other boy." She (and
Your best friend OR the HIII "Why am I so interested
he says "gaa-gaa." What if you see
the bay's parents) began to coach him
in childcare? Because I've been there," says the
little evidence of such responsive-
on how to approach other kids to
U.S. senator from Washington State. "I know what
ness, yet the babies aren't fussing?
play, and the grabbing diminished.
It's like to have a caregiver say on Friday, This is
That's worrisome: Infants who've
my last day....' Patty Murray, 47, became the most
cried for attention in vain start to feel
5. The room is sensibly organized.
"chlldcare-involved" of the women elected to the
powerless. Their listlessness signals
Besides kid-size furniture. look at
Senate In 1992, cosponsoring all the major child-
apathy, not contentment.
how the room is set up. Behavior
care legislation of the past six years (and becom-
With older children, responsiveness
improves when a room is divided
ing the legislator to consult on the issue). But what
means listening closely. "The teacher
with low bookcases so there's less
pleases Senator Murray most is that she's ПО
gets down on the youngster's level and
disruption of children's activities.
longer a "lone voice" in Washington. "Now we're
looks her in the eye, taking in her
How to spot a poor layour? Check the
having a national conversation about childcare,"
words as well as body language," says
block area: "Too often this popular
she observes, "and I'm thrilled."
Amy Flynn. director of the Bank
activity is cramped into a corner
Street Family Center in New York.
where there's no possibility for play
HARRIETT TRANGUCCI
"She's sensitive to mood."
to expand as creatively as a child
Nurturing children of crisis A young homeless
You also want to see that teachers
might wish," says Dr. Hendrick. "Or
woman was crossing the street in Summit, New
value kids' individuality (and will
it overlaps the area intended for
Jersey, a baby strapped to her chest, two toddlers
enjoy having a child like yours). One
climbing and other large-muscle play,
and saveral scuffed paper bags of possessions in
tactic is to identify a youngster whose
resulting in knocked-down towers-
tow, her eyes grimly trained on the concrete. And it
temperament seems most like your
and tears." (continued on page 126)
was that heartbreaking sight that moved Harriett
92
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REDBOOK MAGAZINE 212 581 7605
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700
P.4/5
JUN. are: 1.1998 Women Who Make It Happen
Trangucci, 39, to establish an emergency
ELISSA BASSLER
childcare fund-the Tranguch-Shonkwiler
Simple talk, deluxe programs Wrangling childcare dollars from state gov-
Foundation (named for her husband's mother
ernments requires reformist zeal-and smart strategies. Elissa Bassier,
and her grandmother) at the Summit Child
37, director of public policy for the Day Care Action Council of Illinois,
Care Centers. Mathers fleeing abusive mar-
used both last year when she persuaded the Illinois legislature to allogite
riages, teen moms determined to finish high
a whopping $100 million for childcare. It was the largest state childcare
school, families beset by illness, death, sud-
grant ever. "Bassler dropped the bureaucratic mumble-jumble we legisla-
den job loss, legal problems, homelessness-
tofs were used to," notes Illinois State Senator Steve Rauschenberger.
all are now able to send their kids to the
And, he adds, she did something all advocates should do: "She worked in
center while they're dealing with their crises.
a bipartisan fashion, helping both sides focus on the needs of children."
ROSIE O'DONNELL
YVONNE EDWARDS
"I'm lucky-1 can help kids" Shortly after
Ask-you never know Four years ago, when developing the idea for a state-
the incredibly successful launch of The
of-the-art center for county workers' children,
Rosie O'Donnell Show, the actress and talk
Yvanne Edwards, 36, began to think of what
show host realized that the show, along with
else she'd like: "What if we added a women's
her celebrity appeal, could help the one
health services center?" mused the childcare
thing she feels most passionate about-
coordínator for California's Monterey County.
children. In February 1997, with an initial
"And a drop-in center where mothers could
grant from royalties on her best-selling book
leave kids while getting an exam? And parent
of children's jokes (Kids Are Punny),
educators? And"-why not?-"a bus stop
O'Donnell (now 36) launched the For All Kids
right in front of the center?" On May 19,
Foundation. So far, the foundation has dis-
Hamed Iranguar
Edwards cut the ribbon at the dedication of
tributed $1.5 million to 105 child-related
the Natividad Medical Center Family Services
charities-more than half of them programs
Center. "It's a triumph of teamwork." she
Rode Dannell
Involving childcare. "I'm very lucky," says
stresses. "Folks" really had to be willing to give
O'Donnell with characteristic self-deprecation.
up turf for this unique center to happen."
"I'm In a position to help children rise above
any obstacles, and that's the greatest gift
LINDA MASON
you can give a kid."
Idealism with business sawy Today there are
160 Bright Horizons child development cen-
ELAINE FERSH
ters, serving some 14,000 children at corpora-
"What about older kids?" "I used to think
tions across the U.S. Indeed, the list of
I'd only have to worry about childcare until
participants reads like a page from The Wall
my kids started going to school," says
Lane
bash
Street Journal: Mattel, Apple, IBM, Motorola,
Boston activist Elaine Fersh, 46. "Then it hit
AT&T, Merck, Pfizer, and Bayer, among others.
me. School ends at 2:301"
But It took a few years of "educating" before
If the same realization has now hit
Yale Management School graduate Linda
national policy makers, part of the credit goas
Mason, now 43, was able to convince CEOs of
to Fersh and her group, Parents United for
the need for on-site childcare centers. More
Child Care. PUCC's recent victories: The pass-
striking than the numbers, however, is the
ing of full-day kindergarten and the Boston
quality of these centers. "From the beginning,
School-Aged Child Care Project (which devel-
we termed them 'child development' pro-
ops before- and after-school programs).
grams, not 'day care,' and we offered quality
PUCC's concern about out-of-school time
early-childhood education from trained faculty
ROSIE O'DONNELL ANDREW ECCLES. LINDA MASON: WALTER SILVER.
also inspired Boston Two to Six, a program
members," says Mason.
whereby the city of Boston will open public
AND HONORABLE MENTION TO
buildings for worthy programs.
Cathy Fonta, 43, Chicago Pre-kindergarten
MARY BETH PHILLIPS
teacher, Ariel Community Academy, and
"Criminals need not apply" When Mery Beth Phillips's infant daughter was
Evonting
winner, Kohl McCormack Corporation Early
shaken so badly by a babysitter that she was permanently blinded-and then
Childhood Teaching Award. Cendi Lange,
the sitter was not legally barred from caring for other children-the heartbro-
45, Indianapolis Director of Workforce
ken mother vowed to do whatever it took to stop such outrages. What it took
Partnering at Ell Lilly and Company. Karen
Was perseverance against reluctant lawmakers. In 1989, some five years after
Lelbold, 46. Boston Created the first on-site
Phillips, now 44, started her fight, TrustLine was launched as a pllot program.
intergenerational care center, serving both
Now, parents can call the state-certifying service to check whether a caregiver
elders and children (at Stride Rite). Mirta
has a criminal or child-abuse record. Since its inception, the service has
Matias, 44, Hartford, CT Teacher, Thomas D.
reviewed nearly 33,000 potential caregivers, weeding out some 8 percent
Ritter Head Start Program. and winner of a
(about 2,500 Individuals) who had serious ("aven murder and sexual assault!"
Hartford Area Child Care Collaborative
reports TrustLine program manager Cindy Swanson) criminal records.
Quality Child Care Teacher Award, 1997.
03
JUN.
1.1998
1:24PM
REDBOOK MAGAZINE 212 581 7605
NO.700
P.5/5
Serial Killer
Childcare
and decreasing her interest in school.
The same holds for after-school
programs: "After a full day of class.
(continued from page 124)
(continued from page 92)
kids need to play sports, make crafts,
In the decade since the passage of
6. Activities promote intellectual
and hang out with friends," says An-
Florida's victims' rights amendment
Me Chung, Ph.D., project director of
(which Diane, only half-jokingly,
development. A tremendous amount
the National Institute of Out-of-School
calls the "why-I-don't-have-two-
of brain growth takes place in the first
Time at the Center for Research on
kids-and-a-normal-life amendment"),
three years, largely through a baby's
Women at Wellesley College.
victims' rights have increasingly
interaction with sights, sounds, smells,
become an integral part of the crimi-
and physical sensations in the environ-
7. The staff is happy. One third of
nal justice system, enough that
ment. That's why the activities available
childcare workers quit each year. Such
Florida State University recently sent
in day care are so crucial. A quality cen-
high turnover is tough on kids: with each
Diane a letter to tell her how proud
ter stimulates children's senses to
resignation, the child must moum the
they are that she is an alumna. "So
enhance learning with "feely boxes,"
loss, then start all over to build a new
perceptions are changing," says Diane
"smelling stations," finger painting. You
relationship. So before you join a center,
exuberantly. "They don't think I'm a
should also see stacking and nesting toys,
ask how long caregivers have been on
nut anymore."
to develop pre-math skills, and counting
staff. But also look for clues that they're
Her war having been won, Diane is
and measuring practice (perhaps at snack
treated with respect. Says Flynn, "Are
finally back in law school, slowly
time) for preschoolers. And reading
staff members allowed regular breaks? Is
working her way toward the degree she
should be a lively activity, with kids free
there comfortable furniture in the class-
always wanted. She's also living with
to interrupt with questions or guesses
rooms? Do they seem happy or harried?"
someone and considering marriage.
about "what happens next" in the story.
Even if you're satisfied with your current
But don't be impressed if the day
center, pay close attention when there
care looks like a second-grade class-
are any major changes, If an admired
"We could argue over
room, with desks, worksheets, and flash
director leaves, for example, teachers
cards. Be worried. "There's tremendous
may not like the new administration-
whether the death penalty
parental pressure to include academics,"
and may quickly become disgruntled.
observes Kyle Pruett. M.D., a psychia-
is a deterrent," says
trist at the Yale University Child Study
Tamara Eberlein's last article for
Center. But pushing early academics can
Redbook, "How Stressed Are You?"
Susan. "But I know for
backfire, raising a child's anxiety level
appeared in the January issue.
sure that Ted Bundy is
never going to kill again."
"I HATE DAY CARE!"
HOW TO DECODE WHAT YOUR CHILD IS REALLY TELLING YOU
Susan Denton now works as a
You thought you chose a won-
Your child does the big
example, may share more news.
neighborhood outreach supervisor for
derful program. but your kid is
meltdown during the car
Ask specific questions: "Did you
the city of Orlando and lives near her
balking. Before you rush to
ride home, yelling about
make sand art today?"
family. Like Diane, she has never
make new arrangements,
everything from his "stupid
At bedtima, your child
been married. "Bur I guess you can't
remember that children can't
painting" to the "yucky
announces she's not going
fault Ted Bundy for that," she says
always express just what's
dinner" you'd planned.
to day care tomorrow.
with a wry chuckle,
bothering them. See if com-
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "He must
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "Something
"We're not stuck in 1978," she
plaints quiet down when you
have had a harrible day."
awful must be going on."
adds. "We know we'll never be able to
try other strategies:
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: You
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: She had
explain why that night happened. But
At drop-off time, your child
rushed him into the car.
some minor conflict-a quarrel
it did. And I know it gave Diane and
does the Velcro routine,
STRATEDY TO TRY; Transitions are
with a classmate or a few
me the passion to do what we did."
clinging and begging you
rough on many kids. Leave
minutes in time-out.
Two decades after the crime,
not to leave.
enough time In your pickup
STRATEGY TO TAY: Ask for details.
Susan, Diane, and their Chi Omega
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "My kld isn't
schedule for your child to wind
Then say sympathetically,
sisters don't get together as often. But
happy here."
up any projects and say good-
"Sounds like you had a bad
once a year, a group of them still
WHAT IT PROBABLY MEANS: She's suf-
bye to friends.
morning," to help her see the
gather to celebrate Margaret Bowman
faring separation anxiety. Even
Your child clams up when
incident as a one-time event. But
and Lisa Levy's birthdays. It's a happy
if she seemed fine for the first
asked about his day.
If she repeats the threat daily,
occasion, Diane says, since they're
few weeks, kids often lower
WHAT PARENTS THINK: "Uh-oh. He's
you need to find out if there have
celebrating "good memories."
their defenses over time.
hiding something."
been any changes at the center.
STRATEGY TO TRY: With a baby, call
WHAT IT PROBADLY MEANS: Your
Perhaps a favorite caregiver quit.
Sabrina Rubin is a senior writer at
attention to her blanket (or
child, like most, has trouble
And if you suspect the problem
Philadelphia magazine.
whatever "lovey" she has
recalling what he did hours
lies with the caregiver herself?
brought from home) so she'll
before or Just doesn't know how
Make sure your child under-
To find your local victim assistance program
focus on its comforting powers;
to select highlights of his day.
stands that you'll help. Older
group, call the National Organization for
with older children, spend a few
STRATEGY TO TRY: Establish a
kids, especially, may be reluctant
Victim Assistance (NOVA) at BOO-TRY-NOVA.
minutes playing together, per-
ritual; kids accustomed to chat-
to "tattle" because they fear
haps pointing out any new toys.
ting during their baths, for
retaliation from the teacher.
120 RRDBOOK JUNE 1991
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S PROPOSAL:
CHILD CARE THAT STRENGTHENS AMERICAN FAMILIES
"Not a single American family should ever have to choose between the job they
need and the child they love.'
President Bill Clinton
State of the Union Address, January 27, 1998
President Clinton announced an historic initiative to improve child care for America's working
familiés. The initiative proposes over $20 billion over five years for child care -- to help
working families pay for child care, build a good supply of after-school programs, improve
the safety and quality of care, and promote early learning.
ENSURING AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, SAFE CHILD CARE. The President's child care initiative
responds to the struggles our nation's working parents face in finding child care they can
afford, trust and rely on. The new initiative:
Makes child care more affordable for working families. To help working families
struggling to meet the costs of child care, the initiative invests $7.5 billion over five
years to double the number of children receiving child care subsidies to more than two
million by the year 2003. The initiative also invests $5.1 billion over five years to
increase tax credits for child care for three million families and provides a new tax
credit for businesses that offer child care services to their employees at a cost of $500
million over five years.
Increases access to and promotes early learning and healthy child development.
To improve early learning, the initiative includes $3 billion over five years to establish
an Early Learning Fund that helps local communities improve the quality and safety of
child care for children ages zero to five. The initiative also increases investment in
Head Start and doubles the number of children served by Early Head Start to 80,000.
Improves the safety and quality of child care. To help ensure safe, quality child care,
the initiative: steps up enforcement of state health and safety standards in child care
settings, facilitates background checks on child care providers, increases scholarships and
training for child care providers, and invests in child care research and evaluation.
Expands access to safe after-school care. To help create safe, positive learning
environments for American school-age children who lack adult supervision during a
typical week, the initiative increases the 21st Century Learning Center Program by $800
million over five years to provide after-school care for up to half a million children a
year.
MAKES CHILD CARE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Doubles the Number of Children Receiving Child Care Subsidies to More than Two
Million. The President proposes to expand the Child Care and Development Block Grant to help
working families struggling to meet the costs of child care. This block grant is the primary
federal subsidy program to pay for child care, enabling low-income parents to work. Funds are
distributed by formula to the states to operate direct child care subsidy programs, as well as to
improve the quality and availability of care. The President's initiative will more than double the
number of children served from the one million served in FY 95 (the latest year for which data
are available). The President's budget will increase funding for the block grant by $7.5 billion
(with a match) over five years, which will enable states to provide subsidies for more than two
million children by 2003.
Increases Tax Credits for Child Care for Three Million Working Families. The Child and
Dependent Care Tax Credit provides tax relief to taxpayers who pay for the care of a child under
13 or a disabled dependent or spouse in order to work. The credit is equal to a percentage of the
taxpayer's employment-related expenditures for child or dependent care, with the amount of the
credit depending on the taxpayer's income. The President's proposal increases the credit for
families earning under $60,000, providing an additional average tax cut of $358 for these
families and eliminating income tax liability for almost all families with incomes below 200% of
poverty ($35,000 for a family of four) that take the maximum allowable child care expenses
under the law. The President's budget will include $5.1 billion over five years to expand the
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for three million working families.
Provides New Business Tax Credits. The child care initiative includes a tax credit to
businesses that provide child care services for their employees, by building or expanding child
care facilities, operating existing facilities, training child care workers, or providing child care
resources and referral services to employees. The credit covers 25% of qualified costs, but may
not exceed $150,000 per year. The President's budget will include approximately $500 million
over five years for these tax credits.
PROMOTES EARLY LEARNING AND HEALTHY CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Promotes Early Learning. Research shows that children's experiences in the earliest years are
critical to their development and future success. The President's proposed Early Learning Fund
provides challenge grants to communities (distributed by states) to support programs to improve
early learning and the quality and safety of child care for children ages zero to five. Funds may
be used for the following activities: providing basic training to child care providers (including
first aid and CPR); connecting individual child care providers to centers for education and
support; assisting child care providers to meet accreditation and licensing requirements; linking
child care providers with health professionals; reducing group sizes and child-to-staff ratios; and
providing home visits, parent education, and consumer education about child care.
The President's Early Learning Fund builds on state initiatives such as North Carolina's
Smart Start, which helps North Carolina's children enter school healthy and ready to succeed.
Smart Start funds a broad variety of local efforts, including improving staff-to-child ratios, health
linkages that have raised immunization rates, and parent education and mentoring programs to
give new parents support. The President's budget will include $3 billion over five years for this
fund.
Increases Investment in Head Start and Doubles the Number of Children Served by Early
Head Start. Head Start provides early, continuous and comprehensive child development and
family support services, preparing children for a lifetime of learning and development. The
President is committed to reauthorize Head Start and reach one million children by 2002. The
President's budget will invest $3.8 billion over five years to keep on track his commitment to
serving one million children by 2002, and to double the number of infants and toddlers in Early
Head Start to 80,000.
IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF CHILD CARE
Steps Up Enforcement of State Health and Safety Standards. Building on the military's
model child care program, this proposed initiative will fund state efforts to improve licensing
systems and enforce child care health and safety standards, including by increasing unannounced
inspections of child care settings. The President's budget will include $500 million over five
years for this program.
Facilitates Background Checks on Child Care Providers. On the day of the White House
Conference on Child Care, the President transmitted to Congress the National Crime Prevention
and Privacy Compact, which will facilitate effective background checks on child care providers
by eliminating state law barriers to sharing criminal history information for non-criminal
purposes. Although the vast majority of child care providers are dedicated to the teaching and
nurturing of children, one tragedy in child care is too many. Background checks are an important
way to ensure that the people watching our children are fit for this responsibility.
Increases Scholarships and Training for Child Care Providers. At the White House
Conference on Child Care, the President proposed establishing a Child Care Provider
Scholarship Fund to enable states to provide scholarship funds to students working toward a
child care credential. Eligible child care workers must commit to remaining in the field for at
least one year for each year of assistance received and will earn increased compensation or
bonuses when they complete their course work. The President proposed a federal investment of
$250 million over five years, which will support 50,000 scholarships per year. The President is
also proposing to expand the Department of Labor's Child Care Apprenticeship Program to fund
the training of child care providers.
Invests in Research. Because too little is known about our child care system, the President's
budget will increase support for data, research, and evaluation. This research fund will also
support a National Center on Child Care Statistics and a child care hotline that parents can call to
get information about how to find child care in their communities and how to identify
appropriate, quality care for their children. In addition, the research fund will support
demonstration projects to test approaches to help new parents who choose to stay home to care
for their newborns or newly adopted children. The President's budget will include $150 million
over five years for this fund.
EXPANDS AND STREAMLINES AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
An estimated five million school-age children spend time as "latchkey kids" without adult
supervision during a typical week. Research indicates that during these unsupervised hours
children are more likely to engage in at-risk behavior, such as crime, drugs, and alcohol use. To
meet this pressing demand, the President is proposing a dramatic expansion of after-school care.
Provides After-School Care for up to Half a Million Children a Year. The President proposes
a dramatic expansion of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program to provide start-
up funds (with a local match) to school-community partnerships to establish or expand before-
and after-school programs for school-age children. The program increases the supply of after-
school care in a cost-effective manner primarily by funding programs that use public schools and
their existing resources, such as computers, gymnasiums, and sports equipment. The program
also includes a set aside to fund programs run by community organizations. The President's
budget will request $800 million of entirely new money for this program, for a total of $1 billion
over five years.
Improves Coordination of Federal After-School Initiatives to Help Communities Make Best
Use of Existing Resources. The President will put in place a collaborative effort involving
numerous federal agencies to eliminate duplication and better coordinate federal funding for
after-school programs in three to five pilot cities, including the District of Columbia.
Office of the Press Secretary
http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/F.alspeeches/1998/19980611-8066.html
Remarks by the First Lady at the Redbook Magazine
"Mother & Shakers of 1998" Awards Ceremony
June 2, 1998
The White House
Washington, DC
We've come together today to salute eight extraordinary women who have made a very real
difference in the lives of families in their own communities and across the nation. At our
table during lunch, I learned a lot more about what some of these women have
accomplished and I am just delighted that the country will learn more about what they have
achieved because if we could take all of their achievements and put them together we would
have a much better system of child care nationwide. Somebody who believes that and has
worked with me to that end is my friend, Tipper Gore who is also with us and I'd like to
acknowledge Tipper and ask her to please stand.
Tipper and I have spent a lot of time in the last years talking about our own children and
also talking about children throughout our country and indeed the world. So for us to be
able to acknowledge the accomplishments of all of you gives us a great deal of satisfaction,
Whether it was establishing child care centers or setting up hotlines for parents or partnering
with businesses or lobbying elected officials, you have been working in your own
communities to promote child care and to move it to the forefront of the national agenda by
giving working parents more choices and more opportunities to succeed at home and at
work. It is important to pause once in a while to take measure of how far we've come and to
honor those who've helped us get there so I want to commend Redbook for creating these
mothers and shakers awards and for running the article on child care in its June issue, Kate,
because I think that we still have some work to do in both raising public awareness and
dispelling stereotypes about the difficult choices families face in finding the child care they
need.
You've performed an important public service because you've helped to shine the spotlight
on women who've worked diligently and often in the shadows to improve the lives of
children and working families and help raise public awareness by providing parents with
critical information about to find safe affordable child care.
Today as we anticipate the extraordinary possibilities of the next century it's a little hard to
imagine what life was like for women living in America just a century ago: Certainly our
life span was much shorter -- many of us would not be around at the age that we are. We
would have lost those of us who have had children, many of the babies we birthed we would
have seen some succumb to infectious diseases for which there were no cures or antibiotics
or vaccinations and Redbook was first published nearly a century ago in 1903 and it has
helped to chart the lives and the changes in the lives of American women back then.
Certainly our nation has under gone profound changes as more and more women have not
only lived longer and survived childbirth, two major accomplishments of this century, but
have themselves joined the workforce outside the home transforming their lives and the life
of this nation forever. We saw a great move into the workforce as a result of World War II,
and we saw the government, when it needed women to be part of the war effort, step in to
provide child care so that those women could got to work.
We've made a lot of progress but of course we have a lot left to do. This country has a great
economy right now, we are blessed with prosperity and much of that is because women are
working. Women who are using their skills, their education, their talents in our workforce
and creating not only better opportunities for themselves and their families but for the rest
of us as well. We know that women make up almost half of the workforce and as a result we
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know that many children have to spend some or all of their day away from their parents in
child care. We also know that we many single women who are raising their children
themselves and are their sole support and have no choice but to work.
Now over the years I, like many of you, have spent many many hours talking to working
mothers. First when I myself was a working mom and sitting around kitchen tables or in the
bleachers at sporting events or at playgrounds or in my office I found that the uppermost
issue on most working mothers minds was child care and the dilemma that we have all lived
with that is raised by the conflict between family and work and the need for all of us to do a
better job in balancing those competing demands. What we tried to do was to take that
dialogue that conversation that every one of has on our own and take it out of the kitchens
and out from around the water coolers and out from the supermarket aisles where I often
had it, and put it into the national arena.
That's why the President and I hosted the first ever White House Conference on Child Care
last year as well as the Conference on Early Childhood Development. We knew from the
work the scientists were doing how critical the first three years are to a child's intellectual
and emotional growth and we also knew how difficult it is for many parents to feel that they
were doing right both by their jobs which put food on the table and by their children who
are the most important people in their lives, Now thanks to you we have made child care a
national priority and we have presented legislation to the Congress.
As you know the President has proposed a historic investment in child care, over 20 million
dollars over the next five years that will make child care more affordable to America's
working parents. It will also expand opportunities to promote early learning and child
development. It will also ensure greater safety and quality enhance efforts for background
checks help parents and schools establish after school programs in their communities. But
one of the things that I have found is that often times when a President announces
something as he did in the State of the Union and then follows it up with legislation, many
Americans think the work is over I was recently with Congresswoman Tausher in her
district in California and we had a panel discussion in a wonderful facility a school that had
an added-on building where they were running a very good after school program and the
Congresswoman and I were sitting with experts from the community and people who had
supported this program and the questions and the comments were all assuming that the
Presidents plan was going to get through the Congress we heard from the Superintendent
who said "You know, we'll sure be able to use that money because we're still not reaching
all of our students". We heard from a teacher who said "You know, I'm so excited that the
federal government is finally going to help us because we don't have the facilities we need
in our poor areas of this county for after-school care". And you know the Congresswoman
and I were somewhat surprised because of course we know how difficult it is to get
legislation like this through in the current Congress and so we have to re-instill a sense of
urgency in America's working families, and teachers and advocates and business leaders
who have applauded this commitment as being not only good for children and families but
good for America. So you are helping us to get that word out by coming together to honor
people who have been on the front lines doing the work that needs to be done.
But I have to ask you all of you who are hear at this lunch to do what you can to make sure
that this critical issue stays on America's agenda. That we don't have a sigh of relief
throughout the country because people somehow think that since the President proposed this
legislation it's going to necessarily be passed and implemented. The President is committed
to continuing to fight for his proposal to make child care better, safer, more affordable.
There are good child care bills on both sides of the aisle. Child care should not be a partisan
issue we are not talking about taking care of democratic or republican or independent
children we are talking about taking care of American children and we have to continue to
push for significant legislation this year on behalf of our children.
We have a related issue that is connected to this one and that is the tobacco legislation that
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is currently in the Congress. We have an opportunity to reach agreement on historic
legislation to save our children from the dangers of smoking. There are obviously difficult
issues left unresolved but this is also a challenge to what kind of nation were going to be
and how much care concern and protection we are going to extend our youngest citizens.
Congress should act quickly to pass tobacco legislation and I hope that every citizen will
make their voices heard on this important issue as well. Because we have an opportunity
when it comes to the President's education reform agenda, when it comes to his child care
legislation when it comes to his proposal to try and do what we can to end teenage smoking.
We have an opportunity to really continue to move forward on the American agenda for
America's children but I am under no illusions that this will be an easy effort, there are
many forces arrayed against these pieces of the President's agenda for reasons that I think
have very little to do with the well being and future prospects of our children. So I hope that
we will take the energy that is in this room and take the example that we will hear more
about that is set by each of our honorees and redouble our own efforts on behalf of doing
what we can to bring about significant child care legislation in this session of Congress.
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Further reproduction prohibited.
Redbook
June, 1997
SECTION: No. 2, Vol. 189; Pg. 69; ISSN: 0034-2106
IAC-ACC-NO: 19441273
LENGTH: 1471 words
HEADLINE: Childcare 911: survival tips for the stressed; tips for the working
mother with a babysitter crisis: includes a related article on bringing a child
to work during a childcare crisis
BYLINE: Wiley, Kim Wright
BODY:
It's every working mother's nightmare: You've got a killer deadline and a.
the kids are sick, b. there's no after-school program this week, or C. your
babysitter's on vacation. Here's how to deal.
Every working mother has a story that goes something like this: After months
of overtime, Leslie, an advertising executive from Boston, was finally ready for
her big presentation to a client in Phoenix. On the morning she was scheduled to
fly out, you guessed it: The sitter didn't turn up. "I was beyond hysterical,"
Leslie recalls. "My husband was out of town, we had no family nearby, and I sure
couldn't turn to the neighbors with three kids under the age of 5."
Leslie wound up calling the client to reschedule, saying she'd slipped on
her icy driveway and sprained her ankle (something people in Phoenix are always
willing to believe about Bostonians). Why the lie? The sad truth is a woman
would rather fake being sick herself than admit she's not coming to work because
she's a mother. Bet you know this scenario firsthand: Whether your child is sick
or simply off from school, you feel torn and stressed out--even unprofessional
for not being able to juggle the different roles in your life.
While childcare crises are inevitable, they're more manageable than you
think. Granted, an empathetic boss is a huge plus, but even lacking that, you
can still cope using these savvy tips.
The Best-Kept Survival Secret
* Don't let an emergency happen. Or at least limit their occurrence by
lining up your resources now (the specifics follow) "Force yourself to have a
fire drill," advises Monica, a mom of two grade-schoolers in Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin. "Ask yourself, 'What would I do if today were a snow day?' It forces
you to do research and prepare a backup plan, so you don't have to do the
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headless-chicken thing when a real emergency hits.
When Your Child Is Healthy
*
Canvas the usual suspects. Your kids' school is closed for Martin Luther
King Day; your office isn't. Or a snow day strikes. What to do? "If the
elementary school is closed, odds are, the high school will be too," says Diana,
a single mom of 8-year-old twins in Atlanta. "I book my favorite Friday-night
babysitter for the day." You can also assume other parents in your neighborhood
are in the same fix, so join forces: Either hire a sitter en masse or rotate
staying home on holidays, teacher workdays, and those days between the end of
school and beginning of camp. Or resort to bribery, as Stephanie, a medical
secretary who lives in Virginia Beach, does. "If I've really got to get to work,
I'm not above throwing myself on the mercy of an at-home mom on my block who I'm
friendly with. I offer to buy her a banquet of Chinese takeout if she'll look
after my son, and then follow up with flowers the next day."
*
Network in your neighborhood. If you're still in a fix--and if your child
doesn't suffer from stranger-anxiety--check out the neighborhood Y and scouting
groups, which usually offer fun, single-day "camps," says Nina Sazer O'Donnell,
senior associate at the Families and Work Institute in New York. Or try the
growing ranks of emergency childcare centers, which accept unscheduled drop-offs
in addition to enrolled kids. Unless you work for a big, progressive company
that has one on the premises, track down one of these centers in your local
yellow pages, or call the Child Care Aware Hotline, 800-424-2246, administered
by NACCRRA, a Washington, D.C.-based Organization whose members provide
childcare referrals nationwide.
When Your Child Is Sick
*
Don't let panic interfere with your priorities. It's the true nightmare:
The boss has blocked out the whole morning for a critical work session, and your
daughter wakes up spiking a 102-degree fever. No getting around it--if your
child is really sick, you want to--and have to--be with her. "Even though I've
got a live-in sitter, when Annie's really sick, I want to be the one to take her
to the doctor and stay with her," says Maureen, who manages a travel agency in
Corning, New York. "No work commitment is going to take precedence."
*
Don't exaggerate your child's illness. A word about placing the "I won't
be coming in today" call to the boss. My friend Janine wanted to stay home when
her infant had a bad cold, but felt he wasn't sick enough to merit this. So, she
tended to, uh, exaggerate, and say the cold was bronchitis. "Bad plan," Janine
admits now. "My boss began to see me as someone whose personal life was so
demanding that I couldn't handle more responsibility. Now I make it a point just
to say my son has a bad cold, but I'm sure I'll be working full-tilt again
tomorrow."
*
Split a sick-kid day down the middle. Also known as, don't let your
husband disappear. Follow this example from Carole, a mom of two in Austin,
Texas. "Unless one of us has an office emergency, my husband and I cover an
ailing child in shifts. Going to work for a half day keeps either of us from
falling hopelessly behind.
*
Work from home. Often the best option if you know you're going to need
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several days out of the office. Granted, you're not going to get all your work
done in between doling out orange juice and playing games, but it's a nice
compromise. Anne Weisberg, a Westchester County, New York--based work-family
consultant and coauthor of Everything a Working Mother Needs to Know, advises,
"Call your supervisor and share your plan for getting your work done--'I can
come in Saturday morning to finish the billing,' or 'I can return calls as soon
as we're back from the doctor. Your boss will be relieved that you've figured
out some ways to stay up to speed."
*
Hire care for the little patient. What if you're faced with nothing more
than a runny nose and a low fever, or the last, noncontagious days of chicken
pox? You can get to the office, relatively guilt-free. What's known as
sick-child care or "get well" programs are springing up in many communities,
both as independent businesses and attached to standard childcare centers,
hospitals, and Ys. According to Ruth Anne Foote, director of special projects
for NACCRRA, they're for kids who've seen the doctor and are past the contagious
stage. Look for a program where they give your child the chance to play or loll
around, under the watchful eyes of trained caregivers. In-home care is also an
option, albeit a pricey one, in which a nurse or trained nanny will look after
your little one. To find these resources, check with your pediatrician's office
or call the Child Care Aware Hotline.
*
Bend the truth, if you must. Finally, the crucial question of honesty. How
many times can you slip on the ice before the jig is up? Some mothers swear by
coming clean: "Lying just compounds what's already a very stressful situation,"
says Randi, a Greensboro, North Carolina-based sales manager and the single
mother of a 4-year-old with asthma But, say many women in the trenches, a lie
can be a must, like when staying home with your child for one more minute would
make you look like a serious shirker. Consider the case of Vicky, an accountant
and mom of three in San Diego: "We took a two-week vacation during income-tax
season, and I knew my boss was peeved. Then, the night we got back, my daughter
came down with a stomach virus, so I claimed to have a bug myself.' A fairly
small fib, it turned out, considering that by the next day, she did.
RELATED ARTICLE: CAN YOU BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE OFFICE?
Your daughter's off from school for a day, or her bout of the flu is
lingering. Can she camp out in your office for the day? Here, six ways to tell.
*
DID YOU CHECK WITH YOUR BOSS FIRST? Call as early as possible and say,
"I'd like to bring Julie to work today so I can get this month's mailing out,
but would you prefer I stay home with her?" Never simply turn up with a child in
tow.
*
IS YOUR CHILD CONTAGIOUS? Then do everyone a favor and keep her home.
*
HOW OLD IS YOUR CHILD? If she's 4 or older, she can probably entertain
herself; any younger, and she's probably so high-maintenance you won't be very
productive.
*
WHAT'S THE MOOD AT YOUR WORKPLACE? It's fine to bring a kid to a friendly
mom-and-pop operation, but not to a tense, fastpaced brokerage house or a
medical office.
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*
DO YOU HAVE A PRIVATE OFFICE? You'll be in much better shape than if
you're in an open workplace, where your child's Legos may trip up traffic.
*
HAVE YOU WORN OUT YOUR CHILD'S WELCOME? Signs include usually open doors
suddenly shutting, thinly veiled "jokes" circulating about your kid paying rent,
or coworkers rolling their eyes and muttering under their breath. It may not be
nice, but hey, they're just trying to get their job done too. Take a hint.
Kim Wright Wiley is a freelance writer who would call in sick, if she could.
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LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
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Redbook
November, 1997
SECTION: No. 1, Vol. 190; Pg. 144; ISSN: 0034-2106
IAC-ACC-NO: 19911539
LENGTH: 5098 words
HEADLINE: It's 10:00 a.m. Do you know what your sitter's doing? child care;
includes related article on day care dangers
BYLINE: Connor, Lee Lusardi; Gilbert, Susan
BODY:
Across the country, more and more parents are spying on their sitters with
hidden video cameras. Out-and-out abuse, like that hyped on TV, turns up
infrequently. But there's much more widespread problem that's leaving families
outraged.
After Sydelle Tabrizy learned she was pregnant, she looked into several
different childcare options for when she returned to work, and eventually
decided on an in-home caregiver. She proceeded cautiously, hiring the babysitter
before she even gave birth so that she had plenty of time to observe her. The
woman had been completely reliable and Tabrizy, 31, a psychotherapist in Irvine,
California, had grown close to her. But a year and a half later, she still felt
uneasy about leaving her child. When she heard about Babywatch, a nanny
videotaping service, from a friend, the temptation was too great--Tabrizy signed
up. "I was hoping to see great things on the tape," she recalls.
What Tabrizy saw instead: "Six hours of silence."
She was stunned as she viewed her caregiver reclining on the couch, watching
TV, while her 1 8-month-old daughter amused herself by walking around an ottoman
and playing with her toys. Tabrizy had specified that her daughter could watch
only public television, in limited amounts; the sitter had Spanish-language TV
on all day. The woman fed the child, put her down for her customary two-hour
nap, but barely spoke to her.
"When my daughter woke up and cried, the sitter went to get her. The baby
could walk down the stairs at the time, but she needed help--and the caregiver
just kind of grabbed her hand, dragged her down the stairs, ordered her to put
her shoes on in a tone different than any I'd heard her use. And that was the
main interaction on the tape," Tabrizy recounts. Deeply upset, she fired her
sitter the next day.
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THE "OTHER" ABUSE
With that experience, Tabrizy joined the growing ranks of parents who check
up on their in-home caregivers by using hidden video cameras, only to find out
that the sitter is not behaving the way they expected. Not by a long shot. In
fact, 70 percent of the parents who tape their caregivers through Babywatch end
up firing them, according to the service. But not because the sitter has
physically abused her charges. The horrifying clips shown on Primetime Live,
Oprah, and other news and talk shows make riveting TV, but, say experts, they
misrepresent the true problem parents are finding with their sitters. "The fact
is, only I to 2 percent of these cases are outright physical abuse,' notes
Richard Heilweil, vice president of Babywatch Corporation, the leader in the
nannycam field with providers in more than 25 U.S. cities. "The real issue is
poor job performance by caregivers: neglect, lack of interaction, or simply
misleading the parents."
Neglect can take many forms. "Some of my clients have seen that their child
was only given one bottle during the whole day," says Deborah Truncale, who
operates Babywatch of Morristown, New Jersey. "They've seen a child put in the
crib even when it wasn't nap time, while the sitter went downstairs and slept on
the couch or watched TV. They see their child go up to the sitter with a book in
his hand, and the sitter throws the book across the room and tells the child to
go away."
Such indifferent treatment may not formally qualify as "child abuse." But
clearly, children in such cases are not receiving the kind of positive, frequent
verbal interaction that widely publicized new research shows is important to a
young child's intellectual and language development. And parents don't need to
have read the latest studies to be appalled--or spooked. Owners of "nannycam"
services insist that the majority of their clients are parents who believe they
have a good caregiver but--frightened by news reports--just want to make sure.
Time and again, the services say, new clients explain that their sitter is
wonderful, warm, and loving to their child. That she provides wonderful
activities--taking him to the park, reading books about colors and shapes, doing
puzzles. "She is, they say, "a part of our family."
Instead, close to three-quarters of the tapes reveal that none of those warm
and enriching activities actually took place. And, in one of the creepiest
aspects of the whole phenomenon, the tapes show that a caregiver who is loving
and attentive when a parent is present shifts into a new and indifferent mode as
soon as the parent leaves. "It's like a switch going off," says Heilweil. "The
caregiver thinks her audience is the parent, not the child. And when Mom and Dad
walk out the door, the performance is over."
WHO'S MINDING THE SITTER?
No one is really certain how many in-home caregivers are at work in the U.S.
today--the best estimate is between 1 and 3 million. "The numbers are constantly
shifting as mothers go in and out of the workplace," explains Wendy Sachs,
former president of the International Nanny Association in New Jersey. And
numerous nanny jobs go unreported because many parents pay their sitters "off
the books" to avoid paying Social Security and other taxes.
Only a small percentage of parents who employ in-home caregivers videotape
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them--Heilweil estimates that perhaps 1,000 clients have used his services so
far--but anecdotal evidence suggests that number is growing. "There are two
reasons," says Kevin Hooks, owner of Interprobe, a private investigative firm
in Fairfax, Virginia. "Parents are becoming more aware that these services are
available. And the technology is becoming cheaper as time goes on, making this a
more cost-effective way of getting answers." Even now, videotaping sitters is
relatively affordable, with equipment rental prices starting at $ 50 a day.
And it's legal. To date, federal law doesn't address videotaping in the
workplace, according to Rebecca Locketz, legal director of the American Civil
Liberties Union's workplace rights project, though some restrictions apply in a
few states. However, audiotaping of private conversations is illegal--meaning
that if you inadvertently tape a sitter's private phone conversation, you have
technically broken federal law. Parents who use videotape without sound are, in
general, on safe ground.
"SHE WAS OUR BEST BABYSITTER YET"
Still, most parents play it safe and tape in secret. "Eileen Adams," one of
the many parents who refused to give her name because she fears reprisal from
her fommer sitter, videotaped her children's caregiver after the woman had been
working for the family for a year and a half. A suburban Boston mother of three,
Adams had had three previous nannies in her nine years_as a working mother, and
this one, she believed, was her best yet. "As far as I was concerned, the
caregiver was as crazy about my kids as I was," Adams recalls.
Nonetheless, something--a chance comment by her 4-year-old that indicated
he'd been told to "shut up," an increasing sense of unease--led Adams to arrange
for two days of taping with a hidden "nannycam." On day one, after the kids had
gone to bed, Adams and her husband settled down to watch the videotape. Adams
saw herself kissing the baby good-bye and heading out the door at 8:30 that
morning. The tape shows the sitter and 16-month-old baby at the front door,
waving good-bye. Door closes. Sitter takes baby upstairs, presumably to put him
in his crib. Moments later, she comes down, gets herself a bowl of cereal, and
begins watching television.
It was at this point that Adams felt her blood begin to run cold. Why was
the baby being put down for a nap when he'd only gotten up an hour and a half
before? Almost equally upsetting were the cereal and the TV. "Is that so
heinous? No. I don't care that she sits on my couch and eats cereal. But I
offered her food many times and she always refused. She also said she never
watched TV. She created an image for me that was totally false. It made me
crazy. What else was she lying about?"
The caregiver's lackluster performance continued for the rest of the day.
The baby was left in his crib for most of the morning; he was eventually
retrieved, given his bottle, had his diaper changed. The sitter then rested on
the couch and watched more TV while the baby "milled around," Adams recalls. "At
one point he playfully poked her in the head--remember, he's a year and a half
old--and she takes her finger and pokes him right back. You even see his head
jerk."
At noon, the sitter answers Adams's check-in call and assures her that she
and the baby played in the backyard all morning and the baby loved it. A while
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later, Adams's 4-year-old arrives home from preschool on a bus. "He plopped in
front of the TV and she went about her business, didn't try to play a game with
him, read a story, or whatever. It was clear that her MO was to ignore him as
much as possible. And at his age, he couldn't really tell me what happened
when I wasn't home."
Adams is galled by her sense of having been fooled despite her best efforts.
She'd checked out her sitter's reference, a respectable professional couple with
four children, who sang the woman's praises. Adams spent days with her sitter
while on maternity leave with her youngest child; back at work, she called
regularly to check on how things were going. And her oldest child, 11, was of an
age to be able to report any problems. "But my sitter was shrewd," Adams says.
"She was perfectly fine to the younger children when my oldest was around."
Adams now believes that the reference the sitter gave was either faked--the
couple were friends of hers--or that her sitter pulled the wool over her
previous employers' eyes as well.
"I really believe that if I, being such an experienced working parent, could
be hoodwinked, anybody could,' Adams says. "And it haunts me to know that that
woman is probably watching somebody else's children right now."
WHOSE FAULT IS IT?
There are people who would say Adams and other parents who've had neglectful
sitters simply didn't hire right. Wendy Sachs, who also owns a nanny placement
agency in Philadelphia, thinks videotaping is largely media hype and says only
one or two families who've used her placement service have ever expressed any
interest in it. "When I see those film clips of abusive nannies on TV, my
thought is, Where did they get this person? The families who are having problems
are the ones who are not using the really pristine agencies," claims Sachs.
Jeff Jones, owner of the Elite Alternatives nanny placement agency in
Dallas, offers hidden videotaping to any of his clients who want it, but says in
three years only three families have used it. And the result? "Everything was
fine," Jones says. He attributes his successful placement record to his rigorous
pre-screening of candidates, which includes a medical exam, a psychological
evaluation, a detailed reference check, and Jones's own "gut feeling" about a
person. His candidates, he says, tend to be highly motivated in their work
because they do it in conjunction with other professional goals, such as getting
a master's degree in child development.
Joy Shelton, founder and president of the American Council of Nanny Schools,
says she's had no reports of videotaping from the 600 nannies who've graduated
from U.S. schools. In any case, a nanny school graduate, she notes, would have
nothing to fear. "They are trained to use the soundest behavior-management
techniques for children," she says, "whether it's potty training, developing
good eating habits, or building a sense of responsibility." According to
Shelton, a professional nanny follows a structure much like that of a good day
care center, with a varied schedule, creative thinking exercises, and activities
designed to build gross and fine motor skills.
"The real problem." Shelton says, "is that there are many more placement
agencies than there are [trained] nannies to place. I think many times, parents
are so desperate for childcare, they settle for far less than they should."
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She's got that right, says Judith S. Lederman, a suburban New York mother of
three and a public relations executive. In the past decade, she has had more
than 25 childcare situations, including nannies, au pairs, day care centers, and
family day care setups, and she admits her choices were often driven by
pressure. "Working mothers don't have the luxury of waiting for the perfect
person to finally surface," she says. "Who can wait three or six months for
childcare when you work for someone else?" According to Lederman, author of
Searching for Mary Poppins: Childcare Chills & Nightmare Nannies, due to be
published next spring, "There's a real temptation to hire somebody just because
she's living, breathing, and can start on Monday."
As for training and education--well, the paragons cited by Jones and Shelton
are few and far between. And they're being snapped up by families who can offer
handsome salaries and cushy benefits. By contrast, many in-home sitters are
simply local women or moms who need to earn extra money. And since most parents
haven't had child-development training themselves, they're willing to cut their
sitter some slack on this point. They count as experience the fact that she may
have raised children of her own--even though they might not know how she raised
them.
"If you look at who many caregivers are, and how they brought up their own
children, that would be strikingly different from how the average middle-class
American parent raises her children," says Julia Wrigley, Ph.D., associate
professor of sociology at the City University of New York Graduate Center and
author of Other People's Children, one of the few in-depth studies of the modern
American nanny setup. "For example, intensive language use is a class-related
phenomenon. A middle-class view of what constitutes good childcare is to talk to
the children a lot, joke with them," Dr. Wrigley explains. A babysitter from a
lower socioeconomic class, on the other hand, may believe she's doing a fine job
even though she doesn't speak much to the child.
Even the parent who signs up with what she believes is a reputable
agency--assuming she can afford the hefty fees--gets limited guarantees.
References, as Eileen Adams found, can be wildly misleading. Moreover, the
criminal checks so proudly advertised by agencies are usually inadequate,
because most cover only the state in which the caregiver currently claims
residence. Therefore, a person who has, say, shoplifting, traffic violations, or
even child molestation on her record in Illinois can move to Texas and come up
with a clean criminal check--unless a private investigator is hired to look
closely into her past.
GOOD PARENTS, BAD BOSSES?
"Ken Unger," father of a 7-month-old boy, rejected the agency route when it
came time to hire childcare for his son. "I wouldn't have minded spending the $
1,000 or $ 1,500 fee if I thought there was a guarantee," the Hackensack, New
Jersey, sales executive says, "but the best they would promise is a replacement
in 30 to 60 days if the sitter you hired didn't work out." Instead, he and his
wife chose their first caregiver--the sister of a good friend's sitter--on the
enthusiastic recommendation of the woman's former employer.
"She'd been with us for a month, and we thought she was excellent," Unger
recalls, "but then another friend of mine told me they had videotaped their
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sitter and couldn't believe what they saw. She was berating their 2-year-old
daughter, really making her feel bad, whenever she had a bowel movement in her
diaper. When we heard that, we figured we'd better use the videotape," says
Unger.
"Within the first hour of the tape, we knew this was not the babysitter we
wanted," says Unger. "I saw her lazing on the couch, watching The Price is
Right, while the baby cried in the background. At one point she was on the floor
interacting with him and he started to have one of his fits--he was very colicky
at that time--and she slapped him on the legs." Unger called the caregiver and
told her not to bother coming back the next day. "Later, when I looked closely
at our phone bill, I saw that she was on the phone to her sister several times a
day, for 20 or 30 minutes at a time."
"I'm not surprised that so many parents are disappointed when they videotape
their sitters," says Dr. Wrigley, who interviewed both caregivers and their
employers for her book. "Parents do construct a fantasy that this sitter is
solving their problems about being in the workplace and needing to leave their
child with someone. They feel they know her, but they only know her
fractionally. They may also have a very demanding set of expectations which they
themselves can't always live up to."
Some experts think that parents are simply poor managers. "Too often, people
go to work and leave the caregiver alone on her very first day," says Sachs.
"Parents think, 'She's done this before, she'll know what to do,' but they don't
take the time to train the caregiver in the ways of their household."
Employees need direction, Sachs stresses. "A lot of parents tell the
caregiver, 'I want you to do all kinds of activities with my child. In the
parent's mind, that translates into 'I told her what I wanted her to do.' But
that's different from, 'On Thursday, go to story time at the library. On Friday,
do painting, she says.
No doubt many parents do make mistakes when it comes to interviewing,
hiring, and monitoring their caregivers. That still doesn't let some sitters off
the hook. "Overall, there's no excuse for what we see on the tapes it's
horrible," says Christine Casey, who founded the Child Watch nannycam agency in
Seattle and Tacoma, and is about to expand to Santa Monica California. "I'd say
90 percent of our findings come back in some negative fashion. There have been
cases where a sitter has left an infant in a crib for the entire day. One tape
showed that a sitter had her boyfriend over and had intercourse in front of a
3-year-old. You name it, we've seen it on tape."
Darcy Donnelly, who until last summer ran her own nannycam company, Baby's
Private Eye, in suburban Detroit, says her clients have seen children left alone
in the house while the sitter went out to have a cigarette, ignored as they
stood crying for their mothers, and threatened or called names: stupid, fat,
ugly. Yet even preschoolers seem to accept this behavior--not that they have
much choice--and never mention it to their parents. Babies, of course, are too
young to tell.
A MATTER OF LUCK?
So far, the news from the nannycam front is not as reassuring as many working
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parents had hoped. But the reports aren't all bad. Some clients are indeed
delighted to discover that their instincts weren't wrong after all. "Ann Brown"
agreed to talk about her experience only on the grounds of strictest
confidentiality, because she and her husband can't bear the thought that their
sitter might find out what they did, get mad, and quit. The Browns videotaped
their sitter after watching a news program that showed a video clip of a
caregiver abusing her charge. The couple couldn't sleep that night. They
thought
the world of the* sitter--but so had the parents interviewed on TV. Reluctantly,
the Browns decided to go ahead.
And they were delighted. "I saw love on the tape," Brown says. "She hugged
him, told him she loved him, was constantly paying attention to him. She read
him books, they threw the ball, they did ABCs. At one point he was acting up,
being a bit of a devil--which I know he can be--and she handled him beautifully.
"I had wondered, all this hugging and kissing she did with my child when I
was there--could it be an act? But it went on all day." And for the second and
third days of taping, too.
"So now," Brown says cheerfully, "I go out the door in the morning and I
feel great about the person I'm leaving my child with. We're not like the people
we saw on TV. We got lucky."
The problem is, it shouldn't have to be a matter of luck. In the long run,
consistently high standards of childcare will require major changes in society:
More respect for childcare issues on the part of employers. Training and
certification requirements for caregivers. Access to accurate criminal
background checks. Higher pay and more respect for the childcare profession in
order to make it an appealing career option for bright, capable people.
That's the long run. The reality is that parents have to go to work in the
short run, like tomorrow. If the nannycam controversy proves anything, it's how
hard parents have to work--asking the right questions, seeking documentation,
seeing for themselves--to make sure their childcare arrangements are up to par.
We all take a leap of faith when we hand our children over to another adult. The
trick is to make that leap a little shorter--sometimes using any means at our
disposal.
RELATED ARTICLE: Day Care Danger Parents Don't Hear About
Since the advent of day care, parents have worried about how their children
will fare in such an environment. And last year, some good news finally came our
way: The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development released some
initial results from an ongoing study indicating that infants in day care were
able to maintain a secure bond with their mothers. At last, reassurance for many
that their babies would turn out okay.
But some negatives also came out 'of that same study: For one, caregivers in
larger group environments were found to be less sensitive to the needs of
infants than those in smaller centers. And the overall quality of child-care had
to be high, or the intellectual and language development and language
development of children under 3 years of age would be compromised, researchers
discovered. So for the estimated 4.6 million children in licensed day care, and
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the many more who can't be counted in family day care arrangements, the grim
statistics keep pouring in. Consider these recent findings:
*
Forty percent of the day care centers in this country don't meet minimal
standards for health, safety, learning, and nurturing, according to a national
study conducted by the University of Colorado at Denver.
*
While a child in an accredited center has a greater chance of getting
high-quality care, it's not a guarantee; Nearly two in five accredited centers
were rated mediocre by another study sponsored by the National Center for the
Early Childhood Work Force. Part of the problem, according to many experts: Once
centers become accredited, they are revisited infrequently, so there is little
incentive to maintain those standards daily.
* Kids in low-quality day care had poorer language, premath, and social
skills, according to the University of Colorado researchers. And a study
currently under way is indicating that the effects persist into elementary
school, says Ellen Peisner-Feinberg, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist at the
University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill who is doing the follow-up research.
"In run-of-the-mill childcare, there are lost opportunities," emphasizes Jay
Belsky, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of human development at Penn State
University and a longtime care researcher participating in the study. "There are
not frequently devastating consequences, but that shouldn't be our standard."
Danger Signals
As with at-home sitter, the biggest problems in group day care are not the
horror stories you hear on the news--the child whose drawstring hanged him on a
playground slide, the toddler who wandered outside and was run down by a car,
the baby who choked to death while lying in a crib--not that these incidents are
to be taken lightly. But it is the smaller, more subtle care issues that can
easily go undetected, gradually threatening kids' emotional health and
well-being.
OVERCROWDING Many states allow day care centers and family day care homes to
have fewer adults for the number of children served than is currently
recommended for adequate care. The National Association for the Education of
Young Children (NAEYC), the leading organization for early childhood education,
which is also responsible for certifying childcare centers in the U.S.,
recommends that children under 2 be in groups of eight or less, with a ratio of.
at least one care provider to every four kids. Children ages 2 and 3 should be
in groups of no more than 14 with a ratio of one to seven. And 4- and
5-year-olds should be in groups of no more than 20 with a one-to-ten ratio.
By contrast, some states, such New Mexico and Louisiana, permit one adult to
care for 6 infants, and they place no limit on group size. The larger the group
and the fewer the adults, the greater the potential for accidents and other
safety hazards, experts say. And the greater the risk to a child's development,
especially during infancy.
Many babies manage to adjust to the lack of attention. They stop crying to
be held and simply lie quietly in their cribs or infant seats. But their
apparent contentment doesn't mean they're okay. Quite the opposite, says Debby
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Cryer, Ph.D., an early childhood researcher at the University of North Carolina
in Chapel Hill. "Eventually, they become apathetic," she says.
And apathetic babies are at a disadvantage because they don't demand--and
therefore don't get--the attention they need in order to learn how to speak, how
to understand, and how to trust and play with others.
LACK OF STIMULATION Not only are many childcare programs unimaginative,
they're downright boring. One of the most common problems with the licensed day
care centers in the University of Colorado's national study was that "kids
didn't have enough appropriate activities," says Mary L. Culkin, Ph.D., a
principal investigator. "There was a lack of equipment, and not enough
opportunities to learn."
What passes for "art" in low-quality day care programs is often a coloring
book rather than blank páper to draw or paint on. And when children are engaged
in a worthwhile activity, like putting together a puzzle, caregivers often do
nothing to help them learn to do it better. "They don't get down and speak to
the children at their eye level, they don't listen to or respond to the child,"
says Barbara Willer, spokeswoman for the NAEYC.
Without enough engaging activities and interaction, kids can tend to get
into mischief. "You may see children who are out of control, acting disruptive,"
says Joan Benso, director of the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a
children's advocacy group in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The problem snowballs:
Caregivers often try to keep the overactive kids in line, mainly by overusing
time-outs, she says. Or they "sedate" them by turning on the tube.
INADEQUATE TRAINING Not surprisingly, the facilities with the best activities
have the most experienced staff. Requirements vary from state to state. While a
child-specific (education, psychology) degree is most desirable, parents should
expect ongoing training in early childhood education, at a minimum, according to
NAEYC. Such training helps caregivers nurture kids emotionally and
intellectually. "They should listen to children, ask them open-ended questions,
and offer a variety of activities," explains Willer. Like what? It seems
painfully obvious: A mix of creative play (drawing and painting), manipulative
play (puzzles and blocks), quiet activities (listening to stories), and
energetic fun (climbing on a jungle gym), she says.
THREATENING ENVIRONMENTS Of all the problems with childcare, safety hazards
should be the easiest to spot. But that's not always the case: "Even at "good"
centers, there's almost never appropriate cushioning under playground
equipment," says Dr. Cryer. NAEYC recommends protective material like wood chips
beneath outdoor swing sets and padding or well-cushioned carpet beneath indoor
climbing toys. Other potential hazards: fountains and pools that aren't fenced
in, toy boxes without safety hinges on the lids, the use of walkers--the most
injury prone of infant equipment--and unsafe practices, such as putting young
babies to sleep on their stomachs instead of their backs--a situation the
American Academy of Pediatrics recently found to be occurring at least some of
the time in nearly half of day care centers.
If you discover that your child is in one of these less than stellar
centers, and the operators don't seem open to fixing the problem, the obvious
answer is to find a better day care environment. And that tactic may work fine
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for your family in the short run.
But the bigger picture requires that government, businesses, and parents
work together to develop better childcare programs and more stringent forms of
control. Fortunately, that's beginning to happen: States like Florida,
California, Colorado, Oregon, and Ohio are requiring staff-to-child ratios that
match NAEYC recommendations and also that caregivers meet specific
qualifications. And Colorado has become the first state to set up regional
referral offices where parents can go to check computerized day care center
records. Parents in other states can call the Child Care Aware toll-free hot
line (800-424-2246) for the name of a local referral agency. Now, it's up to
parents to do their homework, and to report bad experiences before they affect
other families, too.
Susan Gilbert writes frequently on children's health.
RELATED ARTICLE: Smart Ways to Check on Your Sitter
Does the thought of using a nannycam go against your grain? Plenty of experts
believe parents can keep on top of their childcare situation without cameras.
Some tips:
*
BE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT HOW YOU WANT YOUR CAREGIVER AND CHILD TO SPEND
THEIR DAYS. Ash her to keep a written log of their activities, or make up a
daily worksheet with spaces she can fill in for different segments of the day.
Either way, a daily log is the sort of thing that's hard for a slacker to fake
on an ongoing basis.
*
SET ASIDE TIME FOR A WEEKLY CATCH-UP. Talk about everything from whether
there's been enough milk in the house to how to keep Johnny from climbing on the
table.
*
OBSERVE THE SITTER IN ACTION AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, perhaps by working at
home one afternoon a month with an ear open. The way a caregiver disciplines a
child, or reacts under stress, can be picked up without a videotape.
*
ENLIST THE HELP OF OTHER OBSERVER. Candidly solicit the watchful eyes of
trusted people in your neighborhood. Tell them you're trying your best to
evaluate your sitter and would appreciate any input they can pass along.
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LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
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LOAD-DATE: December 02, 1997
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