Here are recently-submitted child care reviews and listings that have been been added to the site. Remember that reviews, child care listings and even child-related photos are now welcomed!

REVIEWS:

• Sunshine Early Learning Center, Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

Lori says the center features friendly and educated staff and is treated like family.

Kids 'R' Kids, Apollo Beach Area, Valrico, Florida.
Lori says while there is a free voluntary pre-kindergarten program, there is too much staff turnover, unhappy staff, lack of communication between administration and staff, inconsistencies in how to treat children with behavioral issues..

LISTINGS:

• Home Daycare 4 U.

A resource for family daycare providers and parents.

Parents Talking.
Blogs for parents with children of all ages.

Sunshine Early Learning Center.
Privately owned daycare center.

Kids are increasingly being taught the importance of recycling, reusing and reducing waste. That's a good start. But is your child's daycare center or family provider going green in terms of using earth-friendly products, disposing of household hazardous waste, or serving fresh vs. processed meals? As families become more eco-conscious, many are starting to demand that their child's care providers do the same.

Whether attending dayare is healthy or harmful for kids has long been debated. A newly-released study gives a nod to daycare/playgroups for the reason that it exposes youngsters to lots of common illnesses early and helps build up their immunity system, thereby helping them to fight the development of a common form of childhood cancer. Any parent with kids in any type of child care knows that if one kid attends daycare while sick, the chances are good that most kids will come down with the same ailment by week's end. While it's no fun at all to have a sick child at any time, the study bolsters the common belief that kids exposed to common ailments early in life can build stronger immunities. Just don't use this as an excuse to try the "drop-and-run" tactic!

It's a lot easier writing about it than actually achieving it, but I'm vowing to reclaim family time for a happier home. It's my Mother's Day goal, as you will. That's not to mean my kids won't partake in their beloved activities; it's just that I pledge to be a little less grumpy, more organized, in better control of the chaos, and keep a handle on homework. And, oh yeah, practice saying "no" more. In spite of all this, I realize I have about a perfect (and realistic) life surrounded by loving kids and husband. What more could I ask for (besides a massage) anyway?

Everyone knows that you don't need a reason or special occasion to read to a child, but celebrating Reading is Fun Week on May 12-18 has a twist: its theme is making each day a little wacky and a lot of fun! Here are some fun reading activities to make kids clamor for more reading and more book time!

Wow! This is going to be a very busy week of thanks and hugs! This week is Teacher Appreciation Week (God Bless You teachers, everywhere!), Friday is Child Care Provider Appreciation Day (I can't say enough about your big hearts and helping hands with our young), and then let's not forget Mother's Day on Sunday. I'm not so sure I'll receive any pampering, but do know I'll get lots of love coming and going this week all around!

It seems like absolutely everyone nowadays is tightening their belts and worrying about the economy. Why should child care be any different? Here are reader tips from parents and child care providers alike on ways to save money on a daycare budget.

I've been sneezing my head off for the past few days, and alas, allergies are NOT to blame this time around. This morning, my daughter woke up with red, itchy eyes and greeted me with a big sneeze as well. Let's hear it (not) for springtime colds. Parents and caregivers can't usually escape child care duties when they have a minor illness, but there are ways to help minimize the "sharing" of colds.

It wasn't exactly in honor of National Volunteer Week, but I've just agreed to help with Field Day, be a chaperone to the zoo with my first grader, AND to help with publicity for my daughter's all-star cheer team. Am I nuts? No, rather I would say I am "volunteer-inclined." Volunteering with our kids' activities helps us to stay connected as a family, or at least that's what I keep telling myself as I say yes to yet another project!

Is it just me, or has the month of April literally blown by? It seems like only yesterday when I was contemplating an April Fool's Day joke. Now, I'm facing end-of-year school parties and planning for summer fun. Here are 6 things to do at child care or home during the month of May!