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Child Care Provider Checklist

2011-02-09T16:25:50Z

There are certain pieces of basic information that must be provided for caregivers, whether using a sitter for the afternoon or enrolling your child at a weekday day care center. This goes double for a child with special needs.

While it's not necessary to divulge every detail of your child's history, you should make sure the provider has enough information on hand for their day-to-day care -- and in case of emergency.

Your phone number and a doctor's phone number are just the minimum. Refer to this sample checklist (mid-page) as a good starting point. Once created, keep the list saved on your computer where it's easy to update and print more as needed.

Child Care Provider Checklist originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 at 16:25:50.

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Tips for New Working Moms

2011-01-15T10:00:09Z

After returning to work from maternity leave, many new mothers will start to worry about their company's "mommy track", or the work-life balance your company gives working mothers. Balancing your home life with the rigors of a pressure-packed work environment is not for everyone and talking to other working moms in the company will provide a good idea of what the future will hold.

If the company you currently work at seems too demanding and would take away from what you need to do at home, perhaps a more easy going employer and a relaxed working environment�will give you what you need to provide for your family while having the time and energy to be a great mom at home.

Tips for New Working Moms originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 at 10:00:09.

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Winter Fun with the Family

2011-01-03T10:10:42Z

The holiday hype may be over for most families, but luckily for everyone, there are still endless opportunities for having winter fun with the family.� Here are some activities and ideas you can do while it's cold outdoors.� For starters, how about setting family fun goals for 2010?

Winter Fun with the Family originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Monday, January 3rd, 2011 at 10:10:42.

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Top 7 Ideas for Involving Kids In Setting New Year's Goals

2010-12-24T10:00:17Z

Making resolutions for the New Year can be a fun family activity.� Instead of spending big bucks on entertainment this New Year's Eve, why not settle into a cozy night with family and celebrate all the hopes and plans for 2010 together?� There's much to be thankful for and you might have so much fun together you'll want to plan special outings for family fun throughout the year as well.� Happy New Year everyone!

Top 7 Ideas for Involving Kids In Setting New Year's Goals originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Friday, December 24th, 2010 at 10:00:17.

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Keeping Your Kids Safe Over Winter Break

2010-12-17T16:05:55Z

Your kids are probably already counting the days to the holidays, not just for the seasonal celebrations, but also from a well-deserved break from school.� Often, parents can't afford to take as much time off from work as kids get from the school year.� So, how do you make sure you keep your kids safe and happy over winter break?� It's not too late to make plans, but you had better hurry!

Keeping Your Kids Safe Over Winter Break originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Friday, December 17th, 2010 at 16:05:55.

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Making Young Houseguests Feel at Home

2010-12-03T10:00:34Z

Are you planning to host houseguests over the holidays?� Any young children in tow as well?� If so, make sure that you take extra care in providing a safe and inviting home away from home for them to encourage them to feel comfortable� in their temporary surroundings.� Here are ways you can make houseguests of all ages feel welcome!

Making Young Houseguests Feel at Home originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Friday, December 3rd, 2010 at 10:00:34.

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Ways Child Care Providers Can Express Appreciation of Kids in Their Care

2010-11-26T10:00:16Z

Most child care providers try and provide an inexpensive gift to children under their watch during the holiday season.� For some, it is a simple treat or homemade craft.� Others spend a little more and may purchase a book or other item that can be shared with parents at home.� Regardless of the dollar amount spent, a simple and heartfelt gesture means a lot to parents and the children themselves.� Consider these ways caregivers can express that lovin' feeling to their special kids this year.

Ways Child Care Providers Can Express Appreciation of Kids in Their Care originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Friday, November 26th, 2010 at 10:00:16.

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Teach Kids to Give Thanks by Writing Thank You Notes

2010-11-15T16:14:01Z

My child's school is having�every child�write thank you notes for a variety of reasons, and I couldn't be happier.� Too often, parents say kids aren't old enough to write a thank you note.� However, scribbles, stickers and just about anything that a young child can do can serve as an initial sign of thanks, so hard can it be, really?� Truth is, we as parents get lazy about having our kids write notes.� That's a shame!�� If you even are thinking about your child saying thanks for something, then a thank you note is in order!

Teach Kids to Give Thanks by Writing Thank You Notes originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Monday, November 15th, 2010 at 16:14:01.

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Preschool Summer Camp?

2010-07-15T00:00:58Z

Is your preschooler ready to go to summer camp? Many preschool summer camps operate out of nursery schools and daycare centers, but there are some things parent need to take into account before they send their preschoolers to camp.

If your preschooler is potty-trained and can deal with being without a parent for a decent stretch of time, then those are good signs that your kid may be ready. There are full day and half day camps, so choosing the right length for you and your preschooler is important. The location of the camp, the staff, the cleanliness of the place, logistical transportation options, and of course the cost are all factors that need to be taken into account when deciding whether your child is ready for summer camp.

Preschool Summer Camp? originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 at 00:00:58.

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Camp Mom Tips and Tools

2010-06-15T00:00:53Z

Not sending your kids to summer camp this year or going on a vacation and need some things to do with your kids during the long summer months? Taken from our guide�Terri Mauro's great Camp Mom tips, here are some great ideas to make the summer days with your kids, entertaining, enlightening and a whole lot of fun.

Outdoor activities in your backyard, local park or pool and the beach could be supplemented with arts and crafts, cooking and baking, and movies and museums for the rainy days. Juts because your kids are at home doesn't mean they need to have a boring summer. Use these tips to make sure your children have a summer to remember at Camp Mom.

Camp Mom Tips and Tools originally appeared on About.com Child Care on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 at 00:00:53.

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