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"Talk about the joys of the unexpected, can they compare with the joys of the expected, of finding everything delightfully and completely what you knew it was going to be?" - Elizabeth Bibesco

ON BEING A MODEL CHILD CARE PARENT

Microsoft is at it again — offering advice on child care.  Currently the BabyCenter, a web site linked to MSN, offers the article, "How to be a Model Parent," which offers advice such as the following:

Pick up your child on time. Emergencies do happen, and you're bound to be late once in a while, but make every effort to be prompt. If you anticipate a delay early in the day, call the center or provider. "Caregivers have lives, too," says Elice Webster, founder and director of the Children's Cultural Center of Marin in Sausalito, California.  And when you're late, you make them late for their own appointments. She says teachers may have kids of their own that they must pick up on time.

Bring up any problems immediately with the preschool director or the lead teacher. "It's really the most efficient way to get problems addressed," says Webster. "You're doing me a favor when you point out a blind spot in my operation."

Read all notices and mail you get from the center. When you see a sheaf of papers in your child's cubby, don't toss it in the recycling bin. You might miss out on valuable information about school closings, field trips, or special events. "It's not junk mail," says Ron Lynch, owner of two daycare centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan. "We try to keep you abreast of all activities we'd like you to participate in." While you're at it, check the bulletin board at the school for other announcements.

Let caregivers know if your child needs extra care on a particular day. If your little one didn't sleep well the night before, or your partner is away on a business trip and junior's missing him, let the staff know. That way they'll be able to give your child some extra TLC.

And of course, pay your fees when they're due. It's only fair. Don't get caught with a zero bank balance when it comes time to write your center a check. It's bad form to keep them waiting for your payment.

To check out all the advice, Microsoft is offering to parents, go to: http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babychildcare/5943.html

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