Hero saves daycare house and children from fire

The quick thinking of a cable company employee saved a house, and the sleeping children inside, from a potential fire. The man was passing the house, which has a home-daycare inside, when he heard a popping noise. He soon located that the sound was coming from the side of the house and that the power lines were on fire. He grabbed a fire extinguisher and used his cable company bucket truck to reach the fire. This quick thinking put out the fire before the side of the house was even burned.

Read the entire story here

Advice for new childcare providers

Are you just starting out as a childcare provider? Are you thinking of starting a daycare? then head over to our daycare facebook page and read advice from the seasoned pros on how to help your childcare business run smooth.

Several providers suggested that you have a childcare contract. Not sure where to start? Check out our free sample daycare forms for examples of daycare contracts, daycare daily activity reports, daycare permission forms and more.

Childcare leaves 15-month old girl outside for an hour

A childcare provider left a 15 month old girl outside in a 'timeout' for an hour. Police responded after neighbors called the police, stating that the heard a child crying for over an hour.

Read the full story here.

Average childcare rates

Are you searching for daycare? Are you curious what childcare costs in your area? Check out our listing of average childcare rates across the U.S.

Many different factors can affect childcare rates. Centers typically cost more than in-home childcare. Rates can also vary depending on what is included in the tuition. While most providers include meals and snacks, some also include diapers and wipes while others don't. Daycare costs can also depend on whether the provider takes paid vacation and holidays, and how often.

The best childcare option for your child is not always the most expensive. Trust your instinct and choose a childcare provider that you feel is the best match for your family and your child.

Summer reading programs offer freebies for kids

Sign your kids up for these summer reading programs and they can earn freebies, from free books to gift cards. Encourage your kids to read this summer and help them get some cool goodies too. Summer is full of freebies, from free movies to free bowling.

Learn about summer reading programs freebies here.

National sex offender registry tracks known sex offenders

Before you buy a house or choose a childcare, check the national sex offender registry to see who lives in that neighborhood.

The easy to use registry allows you to search by zip code. Results show not only where known sex offenders live but also where they work. Detailed descriptions of each registered offender include photos, physical description, and a brief summary of the offense.

Check near your house, your childcare, your child's school and anywhere else you spend a lot of time with your child.

National Sex Offender Registry

Celebrate Earth Hour 2010

Earth Hour is a reminder that our resources on this planet are limited and we need to conserve them. For an hour, turn off your lights, unplug your computer, and give the earth a much needed rest.

Earth Hour 2010 is Saturday March 27th at 8:30pm.

Earth Hour is happening at a time when most childcare providers are not working. But you can still take the opportunity to help your children learn about resources and conservation.

Here are some ideas to help children learn about Earth hour:

• Unplug - Unplug or turn off all electrical appliances. Talk about what uses electricity and where electricity comes from.
  
  
• Cook without electricity - Head outside and make a small campfire. Let the kids roast hot dogs and make S'mores. How else could you cook if you had no electricity. What fooeds could you eat?
  
  
• Invent new games - Have each child work alone or work in teams to invent games that don't use electricity. Or teach your children some old-time favorites like 'kick the can' and 'freeze tag'.
  
  
• Pretend power failure - It can be inconvenient when the power goes out, but it can also be fun. Gather flashlights and candles, some board games or cards, and spend an evening without lights or power.