If you're in a colder climate, then you're probably dealing with dry skin and chapped lips right now. And if your kids are anything like ours, then they aren't huge fans of anything designed to help them feel better.
Our son licks chapstick off his lips faster then we can apply it. And that constant licking, followed up with some rubbing of his drippy nose, leaves him with badly chapped lips and skin. I tried everything I could think of, and nothing seemed to work. Chapstick didn't stick around long enough to work, because he licked it off. He complained that lotion got into his mouth and tasted bad.
But finally I found something that works. And I mean really works. Lanolin. I had some left over from when our daughter was an infant and figured if it was safe enough for infants to be in contact with when hey nursed, that it would be safe for a 4 year old. I slathered some on him at bedtime and pleaded with him to try not to wipe his face all over the sheets.
And the next morning, his chaped lips and skin were almost completely healed.
I don't use it during the day, because if it rubs off on something else, like clothes or the couch, it leaves a greasy stain that is almost impossible to get out. But at bedtime, a coating of Lanolin seems to be a quick easy cure for chapped skin.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Childcares and Unions - Good idea or not?
This is a topic that I'll have to turn over to the experts, the childcare providers, to see what they think. But recently I am hearing more and more about childcare providers joining unions. I remember a couple years ago, I spoke with several providers who were completely against the concept. But now I wonder if that is still the case.
I understand that the state of Maine is currently making the switch to unionizing the childcare providers. After doing a quick online search, it appears that California and Pennsylvania are also unionizing.
So providers, what do you think? Is your state trying to form a union? If so, are you planning on joining? Why, or why not?
Just curious.....
I understand that the state of Maine is currently making the switch to unionizing the childcare providers. After doing a quick online search, it appears that California and Pennsylvania are also unionizing.
So providers, what do you think? Is your state trying to form a union? If so, are you planning on joining? Why, or why not?
Just curious.....
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Starting Your Baby in Daycare - That First Week
I remember that day as if it was yesterday. And it wasn't. It was almost 5 years ago. It was our son's first day at daycare. I was almost to the end of my maternity leave so we were going to start him on half days at the daycare, just to get him used to it. I'm not sure if it was more for his benefit, or mine, but our thought was that easing into full days would make the process easier.
Those first couple days are bound to be hard, both on the parents and the baby. You're all getting used to a new routine, and that takes time. Give everybody a chance to adjust and realize that there are going to be some bumps.
Keep your goodbyes short and sweet. I love a lingering kiss on a baby's cheek as much as the next person, but drawn out goodbyes are harder on you both. It's similar to ripping off a bandaid; it hurts more if you do it fast, but the recovery is quicker. By the time you are getting back in your car, your baby is probably snuggled in the provider's arms or exploring a new toy.
Ask your provider if they mind if you call during the day. It will help you fell connected to hear that your baby is doing great, or that he had peas and crackers for lunch. As you get more comfortable, you'll probable feel the need to call less.
And realize that you are going to miss your baby and your baby is going to miss you. That's natural, and that's part of the love you share.
It took me about 2 weeks to really adjust to having our son at childcare.
But that first day was hard. As soon as the door closed, I cried. I sobbed. I bawled. And that's ok too.
Those first couple days are bound to be hard, both on the parents and the baby. You're all getting used to a new routine, and that takes time. Give everybody a chance to adjust and realize that there are going to be some bumps.
Keep your goodbyes short and sweet. I love a lingering kiss on a baby's cheek as much as the next person, but drawn out goodbyes are harder on you both. It's similar to ripping off a bandaid; it hurts more if you do it fast, but the recovery is quicker. By the time you are getting back in your car, your baby is probably snuggled in the provider's arms or exploring a new toy.
Ask your provider if they mind if you call during the day. It will help you fell connected to hear that your baby is doing great, or that he had peas and crackers for lunch. As you get more comfortable, you'll probable feel the need to call less.
And realize that you are going to miss your baby and your baby is going to miss you. That's natural, and that's part of the love you share.
It took me about 2 weeks to really adjust to having our son at childcare.
But that first day was hard. As soon as the door closed, I cried. I sobbed. I bawled. And that's ok too.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Where Do Sex Offenders Live And Work? Find Out!
Who lives next door to your childcare provider? Who lives next door to your parents? To your babysitter? To you?
Parents do everything they can to keep their children safe. Here's one more step you can take. Check to see where registered sex offenders live in relation to addresses where your children spend time - their school, their daycare, your home. We recently bought a new house and we used this site to check our neighborhood before we made an offer on the house.
It should be noted that these online directories only include individuals who are registered sex offenders. An individual may have committed a lesser crime and not be required to register as a sex offender, so they would not be included on these sites.
http://www.familywatchdog.us
I believe that information like this should not be used to frighten, but to educate. There are threats all over our lives and you cannot possibly avoid them all. What you can do is educate yourself and your children on how to stay as safe as possible.
My Dad is a retired police officer. When I was little, he gave me pointers on how to stay safe. He didn't scare me, but he was honest. He empowered me by teaching me how to grow up with a strong sense of self and how to look at my surroundings to keep myself safe. They are lessons I plan to pass on to our children.
So, check out who lives near you. And make sure you keep talking to your children. Help them learn how to make choices to keep themselves safe.
Parents do everything they can to keep their children safe. Here's one more step you can take. Check to see where registered sex offenders live in relation to addresses where your children spend time - their school, their daycare, your home. We recently bought a new house and we used this site to check our neighborhood before we made an offer on the house.
It should be noted that these online directories only include individuals who are registered sex offenders. An individual may have committed a lesser crime and not be required to register as a sex offender, so they would not be included on these sites.
http://www.familywatchdog.us
I believe that information like this should not be used to frighten, but to educate. There are threats all over our lives and you cannot possibly avoid them all. What you can do is educate yourself and your children on how to stay as safe as possible.
My Dad is a retired police officer. When I was little, he gave me pointers on how to stay safe. He didn't scare me, but he was honest. He empowered me by teaching me how to grow up with a strong sense of self and how to look at my surroundings to keep myself safe. They are lessons I plan to pass on to our children.
So, check out who lives near you. And make sure you keep talking to your children. Help them learn how to make choices to keep themselves safe.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Preschool Registration Time
The beginning of next shool year is month away, right? Not even on your radar? Something you'll think about in a couple months. Well, if you're planning on enrolling your child in preschool, it's something to think about right now. And right now might be too late.
Our son's preschool sent home information on registering for next year. I still have Christmas cards that are waiting for addresses before I can mail them. It doesn't seem like the two should happen at the same time. But they do.
Many preschools are now enrolling for next year. Some are so popular that they enroll in stages, giving priority to current families before openings enrollment to first time attendees.
And then there are the ones that are so poular it's like trying to get tickets to a rock concert. Last year my friend was looking around for preschools. She finally found one she liked. When she asked about registration, she was told that it was very competitive. Competitive to me means that maybe you turn in your application paperwork and some kids are enrolled and some aren't. Competitive at this preschool means that parents started lining up in the registration line at 4am. And this was in the bitter cold of winter in Wisconsin, so we're talking some hard core souls here. They camped out, tailgated, and guarded their spot in line until the preschool office opened and it was first come first served.
Now, I love our children. They are our life, our loves, and my husband and I do everything we can to give them the best upbringing possible. But I draw the line. And sitting outside in 5 degree weather is where I draw the line.
We found a preschool that we love. And I didn't even have to stand outside.
Also, consider in-home childcare providers who offer preschool curriculum. Your child will get similar programming to a preschool, but in a smaller environment.
Good luck!
Our son's preschool sent home information on registering for next year. I still have Christmas cards that are waiting for addresses before I can mail them. It doesn't seem like the two should happen at the same time. But they do.
Many preschools are now enrolling for next year. Some are so popular that they enroll in stages, giving priority to current families before openings enrollment to first time attendees.
And then there are the ones that are so poular it's like trying to get tickets to a rock concert. Last year my friend was looking around for preschools. She finally found one she liked. When she asked about registration, she was told that it was very competitive. Competitive to me means that maybe you turn in your application paperwork and some kids are enrolled and some aren't. Competitive at this preschool means that parents started lining up in the registration line at 4am. And this was in the bitter cold of winter in Wisconsin, so we're talking some hard core souls here. They camped out, tailgated, and guarded their spot in line until the preschool office opened and it was first come first served.
Now, I love our children. They are our life, our loves, and my husband and I do everything we can to give them the best upbringing possible. But I draw the line. And sitting outside in 5 degree weather is where I draw the line.
We found a preschool that we love. And I didn't even have to stand outside.
Also, consider in-home childcare providers who offer preschool curriculum. Your child will get similar programming to a preschool, but in a smaller environment.
Good luck!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Childcare Forms - Contracts, Policies, Activity Sheets,and more
Not everybody is a huge fan of paperwork, but sometimes it's necessary. When you're a childcare provider, forms can establish a relationship between you and the parents, serve as a means of communication, and help ensure that everybody is on the same page.
The childcare contract is what parents sign when they decide to enroll their child in your daycare. This is a legally binding contract. Make sure you cover all the basics, like cost, when you are open, when you take vacation, how the parents give notice, how you give notice, and procedures for picking up late. The conact should be thorough enough that is covers all the main points and leaves you and the parents with few questions, but it doesn't need to be so long and detailed that it spells out how many grapes the child gets for snack. Some providers choose to have a lawyer review their contracts.
There are other forms that help a childcare run smoothly. Emergency contact cards; releases for field trips, medications, photos, and more; daly activity logs; and applications for enrollmentcan all help your childcare run smoothly.
You can find samples on Daycarematch.
The childcare contract is what parents sign when they decide to enroll their child in your daycare. This is a legally binding contract. Make sure you cover all the basics, like cost, when you are open, when you take vacation, how the parents give notice, how you give notice, and procedures for picking up late. The conact should be thorough enough that is covers all the main points and leaves you and the parents with few questions, but it doesn't need to be so long and detailed that it spells out how many grapes the child gets for snack. Some providers choose to have a lawyer review their contracts.
There are other forms that help a childcare run smoothly. Emergency contact cards; releases for field trips, medications, photos, and more; daly activity logs; and applications for enrollmentcan all help your childcare run smoothly.
You can find samples on Daycarematch.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
January - National Give Blood Month
January is National Give Blood Month. What a great new year's resolution to vow to donate blood at least once, or twice, or as often as you are able.
According to the Red Cross, when you give blood just once, you can save the lives of three people. Three people! That's amazing.
The Red Cross website has easy ways to find locations to give blood.
www.givelife.org
If there are other childcare providers in your area, you can host a blood drive. What a great way to teach your children about giving to others. Encourage your daycare parents to sign up, have them recruit friends, even have a little friendly competition between daycare providers to see who can get the most donations.
And hey.....you get free cookies for donating!
According to the Red Cross, when you give blood just once, you can save the lives of three people. Three people! That's amazing.
The Red Cross website has easy ways to find locations to give blood.
www.givelife.org
If there are other childcare providers in your area, you can host a blood drive. What a great way to teach your children about giving to others. Encourage your daycare parents to sign up, have them recruit friends, even have a little friendly competition between daycare providers to see who can get the most donations.
And hey.....you get free cookies for donating!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Balancing Diapers and Deadlines
Tips for working from home with an infant
Whether you are new to working at home while caring for your infant, or you’re a pro at typing while bouncing a baby on your knee, getting work done while also parenting can be a challenge. You can set yourself and your environment up to better balance both roles and your work and baby will benefit.
Your Work Space Area
Take a good look at where you do most of your work. Set up the area so you can manage your work and baby at the same time.
Use a portable crib, swing, bouncy chair or gates to keep your baby close. Your baby is happy, entertained, and contained and you don’t have to interrupt work every time he goes crawling off.
Have a stash of new toys near your desk, since babies tire quickly of the same toys.
Baby proof your work area as much as possible. Cover or tie back cords, lock cabinets and make sure your baby can’t reach anything that could hurt him. Not only will this keep your baby safe, but it’s no fun losing hours worth of work because your little one rebooted your computer or emptied your filing cabinet.
If baby’s room is not close to your work area, store diaper supplies close too. Having diapers and wipes close means you don’t have to spend time taking baby upstairs every time she needs a change. The more time you spend at your work area, the more work you’ll be able to accomplish.
If your baby is eating finger foods, keep some snacks close.
Managing Your Time
Plan time at your desk, but also plan breaks for both you and your baby. Meal and snack times are a great chance to get away from work and spend time with your baby. Make sure you take enough time to play and talk with your baby so she gets the attention she craves. Most babies are content to play by themselves for a while, but they also need interaction from you. Be realistic about how much time you can spend working and how much time your baby will need.
Working Around Naps
Be careful counting on naptimes to get your work done. It’s true that infants sleep a lot, but it probably doesn’t come in long stretches, especially when they are very young. Nor are nap times completely predicable. You may schedule an important conference call at naptime only to be faced with a wide-awake baby. Schedule tasks and calls that require complete quiet and focus for times when somebody else can watch your baby.
Hiring Help
A great way to increase how much you are able to focus on work is to hire a mother’s helper. Mother’s helpers care for your child in your home while you are home. You’re able to focus on work, but you’re also able to step in if your child needs you. Because you are home and able to monitor your baby’s care, you may consider helpers with less experience than somebody you would trust to watch your baby when you’re not home. High schools and colleges are often good places to start your search for a mother’s helper.
You may also want to consider finding childcare outside your home for a couple hours a day. It's easiest of all to focus on work if you can't hear your little one playing, or wailing, in the next room.
Whether you are new to working at home while caring for your infant, or you’re a pro at typing while bouncing a baby on your knee, getting work done while also parenting can be a challenge. You can set yourself and your environment up to better balance both roles and your work and baby will benefit.
Your Work Space Area
Take a good look at where you do most of your work. Set up the area so you can manage your work and baby at the same time.
Use a portable crib, swing, bouncy chair or gates to keep your baby close. Your baby is happy, entertained, and contained and you don’t have to interrupt work every time he goes crawling off.
Have a stash of new toys near your desk, since babies tire quickly of the same toys.
Baby proof your work area as much as possible. Cover or tie back cords, lock cabinets and make sure your baby can’t reach anything that could hurt him. Not only will this keep your baby safe, but it’s no fun losing hours worth of work because your little one rebooted your computer or emptied your filing cabinet.
If baby’s room is not close to your work area, store diaper supplies close too. Having diapers and wipes close means you don’t have to spend time taking baby upstairs every time she needs a change. The more time you spend at your work area, the more work you’ll be able to accomplish.
If your baby is eating finger foods, keep some snacks close.
Managing Your Time
Plan time at your desk, but also plan breaks for both you and your baby. Meal and snack times are a great chance to get away from work and spend time with your baby. Make sure you take enough time to play and talk with your baby so she gets the attention she craves. Most babies are content to play by themselves for a while, but they also need interaction from you. Be realistic about how much time you can spend working and how much time your baby will need.
Working Around Naps
Be careful counting on naptimes to get your work done. It’s true that infants sleep a lot, but it probably doesn’t come in long stretches, especially when they are very young. Nor are nap times completely predicable. You may schedule an important conference call at naptime only to be faced with a wide-awake baby. Schedule tasks and calls that require complete quiet and focus for times when somebody else can watch your baby.
Hiring Help
A great way to increase how much you are able to focus on work is to hire a mother’s helper. Mother’s helpers care for your child in your home while you are home. You’re able to focus on work, but you’re also able to step in if your child needs you. Because you are home and able to monitor your baby’s care, you may consider helpers with less experience than somebody you would trust to watch your baby when you’re not home. High schools and colleges are often good places to start your search for a mother’s helper.
You may also want to consider finding childcare outside your home for a couple hours a day. It's easiest of all to focus on work if you can't hear your little one playing, or wailing, in the next room.
One Income or Two - Does it Pay To Work
Second only to the mortgage, childcare costs are one of the highest expenses most working families have. And sometimes the cost is more than a mortgage.
It might be easier than you think to have one parent stay home and make it on one income. That probaby sounds counterintuitive coming from us, who run a childcare website. But one of our main goals has always been to make life easier for families. And that may mean helping you realize that staying home just might be affordable.
We had the exact same discussion almost 5 years ago when our son was born. We wondered if we could make it on one income. I went back to work for several months and our son was with a childcare provider that we loved. When my job role changed, the decision was almost made for us that I would stay home. We never looked back. Going down to one income takes some adjusting, but it wasn't as painful as we thought it would be.
When thinking about the money you save by having one parent work, don't just consider salary. There's a lot more that is spent on maintaining a working parent. Since I no longer go to work at an office, my usual work wear is now jeans and a sweatshirt, which is much cheaper than maintaining a wardrobe of business suits (and matching shoes). Makeup? Since I never seem to have time to put it on, I save money there. I save money on hairstyling costs by going longer between cuts and no longer getting frequent highlights. Although, going back to my natural, unhighlighted color has added the unwanted highlight of showing more grey hairs. And I"m pretty sure that I remember what each child did to cause each grey strand.
There are many other costs you can save by not working - lunches out, expensive coffee breaks (although coffee stores with drive throughs are still a weakness of mine), gas, car maintenance, professional memberships, and more.
Here's a helpful calculator to help you add up the pros and cons of one income versus two.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/personal-finance/calculators/Adding_a_second_income_calculator/home.aspx
It's a tough choice to make, and sometimes your situation makes the choice for you. But regardless of whether you work outside the home or not, you already have the best job in the world - being a parent.
It might be easier than you think to have one parent stay home and make it on one income. That probaby sounds counterintuitive coming from us, who run a childcare website. But one of our main goals has always been to make life easier for families. And that may mean helping you realize that staying home just might be affordable.
We had the exact same discussion almost 5 years ago when our son was born. We wondered if we could make it on one income. I went back to work for several months and our son was with a childcare provider that we loved. When my job role changed, the decision was almost made for us that I would stay home. We never looked back. Going down to one income takes some adjusting, but it wasn't as painful as we thought it would be.
When thinking about the money you save by having one parent work, don't just consider salary. There's a lot more that is spent on maintaining a working parent. Since I no longer go to work at an office, my usual work wear is now jeans and a sweatshirt, which is much cheaper than maintaining a wardrobe of business suits (and matching shoes). Makeup? Since I never seem to have time to put it on, I save money there. I save money on hairstyling costs by going longer between cuts and no longer getting frequent highlights. Although, going back to my natural, unhighlighted color has added the unwanted highlight of showing more grey hairs. And I"m pretty sure that I remember what each child did to cause each grey strand.
There are many other costs you can save by not working - lunches out, expensive coffee breaks (although coffee stores with drive throughs are still a weakness of mine), gas, car maintenance, professional memberships, and more.
Here's a helpful calculator to help you add up the pros and cons of one income versus two.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/personal-finance/calculators/Adding_a_second_income_calculator/home.aspx
It's a tough choice to make, and sometimes your situation makes the choice for you. But regardless of whether you work outside the home or not, you already have the best job in the world - being a parent.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tax Time
As we get close to the end of the year, it's almost time to think about getting your taxes and receipts in order. Here's a link to an article that describes how parents can benefit from tax credits for the monty paid for childcare.
http://taxes.about.com/od/deductionscredits/qt/child_care.htm
http://taxes.about.com/od/deductionscredits/qt/child_care.htm
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Holidays
We'd like to wish you, your family, and all your daycare children and families a very happy holiday season. All our best for the new year.
We are thankful for every childcare provider who's listed on our site. We hope our site helps both parents and providers in the search for childcare.
Enjoy this holiday season. We hope you are able to enjoy some time with your family.
Best wishes to you for a peacful and prosperous New Year.
Scott & Melissa
We are thankful for every childcare provider who's listed on our site. We hope our site helps both parents and providers in the search for childcare.
Enjoy this holiday season. We hope you are able to enjoy some time with your family.
Best wishes to you for a peacful and prosperous New Year.
Scott & Melissa
Monday, December 08, 2008
We're back
It's been forever since we posted. We hope to start posting again soon, so keep an eye out.
Thanks,
Scott & Melissa
Thanks,
Scott & Melissa
Getting Back Online
We've been so busy that we haven't had time to post on this blog. We hope to get back to posting to let you know what we're doing with the site and what's going on in the childcare community.
Thanks,
Scott & Melissa
Thanks,
Scott & Melissa
Monday, April 21, 2008
Finally Updating Our Blog
It's been a hectic time around here, leaving us less time to stay on top of this blog. In the last couple months we experienced the birth of our second child, we moved halfway across the country, and had a death in our immediate family. Things have been busy and challenging.
We hope to update this more frequently now with updates of what we are doing with Daycarematch, and what is going on in the childcare field. If you have any ideas for us, please send them to us.
Thanks!
Scott & Melissa
We hope to update this more frequently now with updates of what we are doing with Daycarematch, and what is going on in the childcare field. If you have any ideas for us, please send them to us.
Thanks!
Scott & Melissa
Friday, March 16, 2007
CPSC Urges New Parents to Adopt Lifesaving Routine to Prevent Child
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Every day thousands of new parents assume the
responsibility of caring for and protecting a child. Many of these
first-time caregivers are unaware of the dangers of unintentional
poisonings often related to medicines and household products commonly
found in the home, such as personal care products, over-the-counter pain
relievers and cleaning substances.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Poison
Prevention Week Council are kicking off National Poison Prevention Week
(March 18-24) to educate and inform consumers of the dangers associated
with unintentional poisonings.
From 2002 through 2004, about 36 children younger than 5 died each year
as a result of ingesting poisonous substances found in and around the
home. In 2005 about 91,000 young children visited hospital emergency
rooms and more than one million calls were placed to poison control
centers as a result of unintentional poisoning.
"For most first-time parents and caregivers, poison prevention messaging
is new," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "It is an especially
important message to understand and act upon."
Young children are curious and use their home environment as a classroom
- a place to learn and explore. Exploring for younger children is often
done by mouthing objects which puts them at greater risk of
unintentional poisonings. For young children who are unable to read, a
bottle of orange-scented household cleaner may be mistaken for orange
juice; the medicine in the pill container can look a lot like small
candies; and baby oil, which can be deadly if ingested, can resemble a
clear drink.
To prevent these incidents, CPSC recommends the following safety steps:
1. Keep all household chemicals and medicines locked up, out of sight
and out of reach.
2. Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container
securely after each use. Some products also come in child-resistant
blister cards, which avoid the need to re-secure.
3. Call 800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
4. When products are in use, never let young children out of your sight,
even if you must take them along when answering the phone or doorbell.
5. Keep items in original containers.
6. Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before
using to understand correct use and dosage.
7. Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where
children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young
children.
8. Always turn the light on when giving or taking medicine. Check the
dosage every time.
9. Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as
"medicine," not "candy."
10. Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of
unneeded and outdated medicines.
To request poison prevention publications, visit
www.poisonprevention.org
To get more information on CPSC and National Poison Prevention week,
please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/pppa/ppw07.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more
than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed
to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire,
electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The
CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys,
cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -
contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30
years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's
hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or
visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email
subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can
obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
responsibility of caring for and protecting a child. Many of these
first-time caregivers are unaware of the dangers of unintentional
poisonings often related to medicines and household products commonly
found in the home, such as personal care products, over-the-counter pain
relievers and cleaning substances.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Poison
Prevention Week Council are kicking off National Poison Prevention Week
(March 18-24) to educate and inform consumers of the dangers associated
with unintentional poisonings.
From 2002 through 2004, about 36 children younger than 5 died each year
as a result of ingesting poisonous substances found in and around the
home. In 2005 about 91,000 young children visited hospital emergency
rooms and more than one million calls were placed to poison control
centers as a result of unintentional poisoning.
"For most first-time parents and caregivers, poison prevention messaging
is new," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "It is an especially
important message to understand and act upon."
Young children are curious and use their home environment as a classroom
- a place to learn and explore. Exploring for younger children is often
done by mouthing objects which puts them at greater risk of
unintentional poisonings. For young children who are unable to read, a
bottle of orange-scented household cleaner may be mistaken for orange
juice; the medicine in the pill container can look a lot like small
candies; and baby oil, which can be deadly if ingested, can resemble a
clear drink.
To prevent these incidents, CPSC recommends the following safety steps:
1. Keep all household chemicals and medicines locked up, out of sight
and out of reach.
2. Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container
securely after each use. Some products also come in child-resistant
blister cards, which avoid the need to re-secure.
3. Call 800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
4. When products are in use, never let young children out of your sight,
even if you must take them along when answering the phone or doorbell.
5. Keep items in original containers.
6. Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before
using to understand correct use and dosage.
7. Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where
children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young
children.
8. Always turn the light on when giving or taking medicine. Check the
dosage every time.
9. Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as
"medicine," not "candy."
10. Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of
unneeded and outdated medicines.
To request poison prevention publications, visit
www.poisonprevention.org
To get more information on CPSC and National Poison Prevention week,
please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/pppa/ppw07.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more
than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed
to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire,
electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The
CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys,
cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -
contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30
years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's
hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or
visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email
subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can
obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
State Childcare Rankings - How Did Your State Do?
The National Association of Childcare Resource and Referral Associations recently published their findings on how each state ranks regarding childcare standards and childcare oversight. Here's a summary of their findings. The full report can be read at http://www.naccrra.org/policy/scorecard.php
"Every week, nearly 12 million children under age 5 are in some type of child care setting. The children of working mothers spend an average of 36 hours each week in child care. Very simply, child care has become part of the daily routine for millions of American families. "
"The quality of child care is important because the health and safety of children are at stake and 90 percent of brain development occurs between birth and age five, which makes this time a critical period for child development. Yet, child care standards and oversight vary greatly by state. Given the importance of quality child care for children, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) reviewed state child care center policies and regulations and ranked the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) based on key benchmarks to see how the states measured up. The results are shown on scorecards ranking state child care center standards, state child care oversight, and a combined score ranking states on both standards and oversight."
"State Rankings: NACCRRA found that the Department of Defense child care system stands alone as a model for states. The Department of Defense child care system ranked number one on the top 10 list of states with the best child care center standards and number one on the top 10 list of states with the best oversight practices. Other than DoD, no state appears on both top 10 lists. What does that mean? It is not enough to be moving in the right direction with strong child care standards if a state’s oversight system doesn’t measure up. Without adequate oversight, there is no way to evaluate whether state standards are actually being met. "
"There is much room for improvement by the states. The top 10 overall (combining scores for standards and monitoring) have a better system in place to ensure that the standards are enforced or that the actual settings comply with the standards as envisioned. But, even the top 10 states fall short of the 150 possible points to be earned by meeting each benchmark."
Top 10 Best Overall
DOD (Department of Defense)
Illinois
New York
Maryland
Washington
Oklahoma
Michigan
North Dakota
Tennessee
Minnesota
Vermont
For a full listing of states and how they scored on the report, go to http://www.naccrra.org/policy/scorecard.php
"Every week, nearly 12 million children under age 5 are in some type of child care setting. The children of working mothers spend an average of 36 hours each week in child care. Very simply, child care has become part of the daily routine for millions of American families. "
"The quality of child care is important because the health and safety of children are at stake and 90 percent of brain development occurs between birth and age five, which makes this time a critical period for child development. Yet, child care standards and oversight vary greatly by state. Given the importance of quality child care for children, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) reviewed state child care center policies and regulations and ranked the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) based on key benchmarks to see how the states measured up. The results are shown on scorecards ranking state child care center standards, state child care oversight, and a combined score ranking states on both standards and oversight."
"State Rankings: NACCRRA found that the Department of Defense child care system stands alone as a model for states. The Department of Defense child care system ranked number one on the top 10 list of states with the best child care center standards and number one on the top 10 list of states with the best oversight practices. Other than DoD, no state appears on both top 10 lists. What does that mean? It is not enough to be moving in the right direction with strong child care standards if a state’s oversight system doesn’t measure up. Without adequate oversight, there is no way to evaluate whether state standards are actually being met. "
"There is much room for improvement by the states. The top 10 overall (combining scores for standards and monitoring) have a better system in place to ensure that the standards are enforced or that the actual settings comply with the standards as envisioned. But, even the top 10 states fall short of the 150 possible points to be earned by meeting each benchmark."
Top 10 Best Overall
DOD (Department of Defense)
Illinois
New York
Maryland
Washington
Oklahoma
Michigan
North Dakota
Tennessee
Minnesota
Vermont
For a full listing of states and how they scored on the report, go to http://www.naccrra.org/policy/scorecard.php
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Keeping Track Of Recalls
As parents and childcare providers, you are surrounded with products and toys used by children. Did you know there's an easy way to keep updated on what products have been recalled? You can sign up through the Consumer Products Safety Commission to receive emails when recalls have been issued. Or, you can use their site as a resource if you have a question about a specific product.
The website is http://recalls.gov/. If you want to sign up for the email reminders, click on the 'sign up for emails' link on the left side. You can choose what categories you want information on, so you only get information that is ineresting to you.
Also, when you buy a major purchase like a car seat, make sure you fill out the registration card and send it in. You can leave all the questions blank, like whether you like to camp and whether you plan to buy a home. They use that information to sign you up for more junk mail. But make sure you give them your address. You'll get a card in the mail if your product is ever the subject of a recall.
The website is http://recalls.gov/. If you want to sign up for the email reminders, click on the 'sign up for emails' link on the left side. You can choose what categories you want information on, so you only get information that is ineresting to you.
Also, when you buy a major purchase like a car seat, make sure you fill out the registration card and send it in. You can leave all the questions blank, like whether you like to camp and whether you plan to buy a home. They use that information to sign you up for more junk mail. But make sure you give them your address. You'll get a card in the mail if your product is ever the subject of a recall.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
National Provider Appreciation Day - May 11, 2007
Did you know that May 11, 2007 is National Provider Appreciation Day? Start planning now for how you as a parent can recognize your childcare provider, or how you as a childcare provider can celebrate you profession.
Check out the national website for a list of events that are going on in your area. http://www.providersfirst.com/events.html
Start planning now for how you can celebrate National Provider Appreciation Day!
Check out the national website for a list of events that are going on in your area. http://www.providersfirst.com/events.html
Start planning now for how you can celebrate National Provider Appreciation Day!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Search Results Order Updated
We recently updated the process we use to determine what order providers show up in our search results. Providers who have updated their openings more recently will be given priority over those who have not updated their profile recently.
Our goal is to give parents accurate and up-to-date information. Parents are especially interested in whether a provider currently has an opening for the age group the parent needs. By revising our process, parents will now see those providers who are more likely to have a current opening, since their profile was updated recently.
The order in which providers show up still is not a judgement on the quality of care they provide. Determining where to place your child is a personal decision that only each individual parent can make.
Our goal is to give parents accurate and up-to-date information. Parents are especially interested in whether a provider currently has an opening for the age group the parent needs. By revising our process, parents will now see those providers who are more likely to have a current opening, since their profile was updated recently.
The order in which providers show up still is not a judgement on the quality of care they provide. Determining where to place your child is a personal decision that only each individual parent can make.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Look For www.childcarematch.com coming soon!
We know that many providers prefer the term "childcare" over "daycare". To reflect this, we've been working on acquiring the website name www.childcarematch.com. We successfully acquired it at the end of the year.
We plan to have both daycarematch.com and childcarematch.com direct users to our current site. This way, no matter what term they use, a parent or provider can find our site. While providers may prefer the term childcare, it's been our discovery that the majority of parents still use the term daycare.
Thanks for using Daycarematch!
Scott & Melissa
We plan to have both daycarematch.com and childcarematch.com direct users to our current site. This way, no matter what term they use, a parent or provider can find our site. While providers may prefer the term childcare, it's been our discovery that the majority of parents still use the term daycare.
Thanks for using Daycarematch!
Scott & Melissa
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