Hello Summer!

If you live in the midwest like we do, you know that one day you can be scraping ice off your windshield and the next cursing that you grabbed the seat belt buckle before checking if it's hot. Summer is finally here, and it's here with a vengeance. Now's the time to make sure you are taking steps to keep your little ones protected from the sun and heat.

Little ones are like adults in that they need to stay hydrated. Our 2 year old wants nothing to do with stopping play so that he can have a drink, so we have to be creative to keep fluids in him. Make sure they drink plenty of water as they play outside.

Summer also means sun, which means sunscreen. I'm a big fan of the spray sunscreens. Trying to wipe sunscreen on a wiggling toddler, who now is wiggling and slippery because he's covered in sunscreen, is not the easiest thing to do. The spray sunscreens make it a little easier. Make sure you cover them before they go outside, and reapply according to the directions, especially after they've been in the water.

Be careful about your little one's carseat. The seat, even the fabric, can get really hot if left sitting in a car for any length of time. Check the fabric, buckle, and straps to make sure they are cool enough, before putting your little one in the seat. I carry a light colored towel in the car. When I leave, I throw the towel over the carseat, helping to keep it cool.

Stay cool and have a great summer. And cherish these days. All too soon we'll be back to scraping the windsheild.

Melissa & Scott

Your Ad Here.....Where should that be?

Daycarematch started as an idea to help providers and parents in Dane County, Wisconsin. We had no idea it would grow as far and fast as it did. Now that we're nationwide, and even in Canada, we're looking for ways to help get the word out about our site.

If you know of a good website, or publication, that we should advertise on, please let us know. We're looking for inexpensive ways to reach parents and providers. It's just the two of us running the site, so our advertising budget is pretty tiny. The more we spend on advertising, the less we have to spend on keylime yogurt, which is our son's favorite.

If you have ideas of website or publications, let us know.

Thanks!
Scott & Melissa

Rainy Days and Toddlers Can Mix

Depending on what part of the country you live in, chances are good you may be staring out your window at yet another rainy day. Here in Wisconsin, we're beginning to forget what the sun looks like. Rainy days keep the children inside, but it doesn't mean that you can't still have fun. Or if you want, throw on a raincoat and boots and go stomp in some puddles.

Here are some sites with some fun ideas to keep kids busy on rainy days.

www.amazingmoms.com

www.preschoolrainbow.com

And never fear....we will see the sun again, hopefully.

Need Childcare Activity Ideas? Join a Childcare Provider Association

Are you running out of ideas for circle time? Have you made the same crafts for weeks now? Wondering how to best manage your expense receipts? Learn from the pros - other childcare providers. Many areas now have childcare provider groups and assocations. The groups can be large and highly organized that have board meetings and annual meetings. Or they may be a small group of providers that meets every so often in a provider's living room. Either way, it's a chance for you to meet other providers in your area and share ideas on how to improve your childcare.

You can find a listing of associations at http://www.daycarematch.com/associations.asp Please let us know if you want your association listed on our site.

Child Care Provider and Teacher Appreciation Days Approaching!

If your child is in child care or school, there are special dates quickly approaching that provide an optimal way to say thanks to some mighty important people! Tuesday, May 9, is National Teacher Appreciation Day, although most schools and parents honor teachers throughout the week of May 1-5. The theme this year is "great teachers make great public schools." Friday, May 12, is National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, and commemorates the hard work, training and professionalism that comes with being an early childhood provider.