As most of you know, we will be putting a rather large above ground pool up this summer. I would like your thoughts on the issue of allowing your child to use it. I am thinking of allowing the older children in the big pool with a life vest unless they can stand up. The younger children (2 and younger) can still use a wading pool. I will be passing out a release form to verify your wishes.

Speaking of summer, I ask that all children come with sunscreen on if their parents prefer that they wear it. I will reapply during the day as needed. We hope to be outdoors quite often this spring and summer. They will also need to have a bathing suit to leave here and a life vest (coast guard approved) if they will be swimming in the large pool. Also, if they wear diapers I will need swimmer diapers. I have several suits here from past summers and will let you know if one fits your child.

I assure you that I will be supervising all children around water appropriately. There are several safety precautions in place to make sure they do not go into the pool area when we are not involved in that activity.

I would also like to take this opportunity to address late payments. There seems to be some lax in this area. I want to remind everyone there is a $10 late fee per day for all late payments that will be enforced immediately. I completely understand an occasional day late. Also, remember if your child is absent the day of the payment being due, it is still due unless other arrangements are made. I'm sure you wouldn't like it if your employer paid you late. Thank you for your understanding in this area.

I want to commend you for helping me keep the daycare healthy. This year we have had the least amount of colds and other illnesses than ever before. We can't prevent all illnesses but taking precautions helps immensely.

I hope to be taking the children to the park, McDonalds play land and hopefully a few other places this summer. There will be an activity fee to cover expenses while we are out. Our outings may be limited because of the ages of the group. As they get older I hope to take them out several times a week. Our activity fee will start at $10 this year. If any additional money is required I will let you know accordingly. I collect money in advance because we may go out on the spur of the moment. I may get a call that a child is not coming and we have more room in the van to accommodate.

I also want to let you know of my upcoming vacation dates. Cory has the opportunity to play in a baseball tournament in Georgia this summer. We are very excited for him. We will be going July 16-possibly the 20th. In a tournament situation you are only guaranteed to play for 3 days so we may be back on Thursday or Friday but I will not know this until the day before.

Thank you for all of your support. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to discuss them with me.