Latisha's Home Daycare

I Found A Provider A While Ago And Now She's Full:

2012-01-28T18:54:00.000-05:00

Well here's a list provided through Fairfax County's Website. All you have to do is put in your zip code and decide whether you prefer a center or a home daycare. They also tell you whether the person has a license or a permit, hours, and etc. People always ask if I know of other providers, which I don't but I figure this is the next best thing. A list. :)

Tax Time

2012-01-23T11:00:00.002-05:00

Its that time of the year again, that I hate! I have a ton of receipts and after all this time you would think that I would be great at organizing them. But, I still have no clue. I am in the process of using this neat receipts thing.

It supposed to digitally organize my receipts. The only thing I really don't like is that I have to put each of my receipt's in one by one, and when you have over a thousand receipt's, you are NOT going to be happy to do this. I would start putting them in monthly but I already know, I will start but, by month three, I'll be like the hell with it! As you can see I have done about a good hundred but still have 2,000 more to go lol... If you have any ideas I would love them!

Product Giveaway: Mymemories.com

2012-01-23T09:59:00.000-05:00

I was sent this cool software from Mymemories, that I got to play with and will continue to use. You can use it to make all types of cool things like: Scrapbook layouts, photo books, cards, videos, calenders, and much more. It was extremely easy to use. I was able to create my sheet above in less than five minutes. They have templates that are ready to be used or some that you can pay for, that aren't expensive. If you have time you can look up videos on youtube so you can learn how people use the software.

For more information check out Mymemories suite :

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Just enter in this code to get $10 off :
STMMMS84198

Munchkin Deluxe Bottle Warmer

2012-01-16T19:46:00.003-05:00

I went to Walmart to purchase a bottle warmer, since I couldn't get it from Kmart. I picked up the munchkin deluxe bottle warmer, which I absolutely LOVE! I love it more than the first years bottle warmer.

Its pretty cool, it not only will warms up your babies bottle, but it will sanitize pacifiers or small baby accessories. It also sets off an alarm to let you know when your babies bottle is heated up and ready to go. I've used this bottle warmer over 20 times, and none of the babies bottles have ever been overheated. Which save time. If I had to choose between the first years or the munchkin bottle warmer, I would choose the munchkin every-time!

Potty Hook

2012-01-16T19:10:00.000-05:00

Check out this nifty little hook that I found at K-mart. You hook it to the inside of your toilet and it just hangs there. Unfortunately, I don't have a sink with cabinets yet, so I have to find little ways so the bathroom doesn't look so cluttered. I thought this was cute so I decided to post it.

Nap Time

2012-01-06T14:31:00.004-05:00

We normally have lunch between 12-1 pm. After lunch, the ~~(providers)~~ kiddies are ready to lay it down. Just Joking. The cribs that we have are portable. So we place them based on how the kids are behaving that day. Because, we have a mixed-age group, days are rarely the same. For instance, if its a Monday, or a long weekend, the kids seem to be really want to give us a hard time. But, its days like today that makes me want to have another baby. LOL...

Today, we have three cribs lined up like I have in the pictures. And, a full house, and ALL the kids are sleeping, yes even the infants. We have five infants today. God, is GOOD! :) Now, for the kids, that don't really like a lot of noise, we put them up stairs with the monitors. When your dealing with a mixed-aged group your schedule changes daily. In most cases, we will have a infant or two, that will be up and want to eat. So, we feed them in the high chairs, and it normally goes well. In most cases, if you have had a toddler from the time they were an infant, they are able to adjust, and still be able to sleep even when the kids are playing or screaming around them.

Recently, I decided to try one of our two year old's, on a cot, and that didn't workout to well. We noticed that he wouldn't sleep, so we put him back in the crib and he slept like a baby lol...

Thank you, Jan for asking me to post about "nap time" please feel free to contact me anytime! :)

Summer Infant - Day & Night Baby Video Monitor

2012-01-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

I ended up purchasing two monitors, because I use my upstairs for a couple of the kids in my care to sleep during nap time. The monitors serve there purpose, I just wish that it wasn't in black and white. Oh well. The main thing is that I am able to see what the kids are up to before they doze off. There really isn't anything to setup. You literally just prop it, plug it in, and your done! I got it sometime last year so I don't remember what I paid for it, but it was definitely worth the money.

Saftey 1st Snack & Scibble Booster Seat

2012-01-03T20:57:00.007-05:00

I LOVE these little seats, and so do the toddlers. I picked my up from BJ's Wholesale. The only problem now is that the older kids want to sit in these seats. While I'm getting lunch together the kids can draw or use the stamps. The best thing about this booster is that its easy to clean, and once you lift the play tray, their feeding tray is underneath.

The legs and the back rest fold, so if you are lacking space like we are its perfect. I also love my high chairs but, since we got the booster seats we have barely touched them. So, if your looking for seats for you home daycare, and have limited space this is a good option.

Baby Chef - Double-Duty Bottle Warmer

2012-01-03T20:28:00.004-05:00

I purchased the Baby Chef bottle warmer, that is the WORST! I liked the idea that I could heat up two bottles at one time, especially, because we have soooo many infants! The fact that you could turn the dial to select a temperature you may need at the time would of been a plus, if it indeed, WORKED.
Anyways, we put the bottles in the warmer and it literally took so long, that I ended up putting the bottles one by one, into our old bottle warmer (First Years). I will be returning this warmer asap. Anyone, that has an infant knows that they don't care about being patient when they are ready to eat! Let alone 5-6 infants at a time. If your looking for a bottle warmer get this one:

Make Your Own Baby Food

2011-12-28T00:22:00.002-05:00

I'm interested in learning how to make baby food. I don't think its rocket science, so I started looking into it. I wasn't sure if you have to add certain preservatives, if you aren't going to be giving to your child right away. And, also I want to find ingredients that the infants would actually like. Now that I am thinking about it, babies aren't that picky. (A least not the ones I have at my home daycare anyway) :)
It's pretty much whatever you get them used to. Its not until they get a little older that they might spit the food, and refuse it. They always make these cute little funny faces. I did see a great article at Parents, so if you are thinking about making your own baby food checkout the article. It doesn't seem that hard to just put random food together. They also have some recipes.

Missing MY Kids

2011-12-27T22:49:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I'm doing something that I never do. Which is write something about me. My kids are at their dads, and there isn't a damn thing to watch on TV. There isn't any arguing, and no kids for me to fuss at. I am totally bored, and missing my kids lol. While I am ecstatic that they are spending time with my ex, I am still missing the hell out of my brats.

Its funny because, when they are here, I'm ready to pull my little hair out! And, the attitudes (lord have mercy), did I mention that they are now 14 and 11. With all of that I just don't know what I would do if I didn't have my kids though! Anyways, I'm keeping this short and sweet.

Goodnight :)

Christmas Shopping

2011-12-27T21:50:00.004-05:00

I checked out a bunch of places online. I have to say that Kmart has been the best. Especially, because I was looking for toys, and to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible! I hate the crowds of people, but I have to do what I have to. People claim that Walmart is the cheapest place to shop but every year for the past three years, Kmart has been on point. The same toy or toys at Walmart will end up being cheaper at Kmart. This is my new favorite place for the end of the year. :)

Debra Tillman: America's Supernanny

2011-12-04T21:24:00.003-05:00

I will never forget, when I first heard about Debra Tillman. If you haven't heard she has centers in the DMV area. Anywhoo, she is the new "America's Supernanny." I was given a newspaper clipping, from one of the realtors, I used to work for at Long and Foster, sometime ago. I still have it. I am so proud of this woman. You would think that I actually know her lol...

Anyway, I tuned in to the first taping on Lifetime, and I have to say it was pretty good. I will continue to watch to see if I can use any of her techniques.

All the best to Debra!!!

Full-time vs Part-time Fees

2011-12-03T13:05:00.001-05:00

Some providers, including myself, charge a higher fee for part-time care, because we only have an allotted capacity. Every providers, limit is different, depending on whether they have a certificate, or license. The space of the providers home, and if she has children under a certain age, help to determine the amount of children she will be allowed to care for in her/his home.

So, if you have parents, that are only interested in part-time, most likely the provider is going to charge a fee, that will compensate, for the full-time payment. Or, have it where the parents, will decide to use the provider full-time.

I was reading about a parent in forum that decided to go PT, but was still paying for FT care, but when she wanted to use her providers services, she was told that she didn't have the space. Now, that to me is unfair. If the parent is paying you for FT care, then, whether she brings her child in or not, she has already PAID for that week. The provider should just count that family as one of how many children she is allowed to care for.

Why not ask the county or licensing if you can take on more kids or what you would need to do to make it happen???

Daily Schedule

2011-12-01T11:16:00.004-05:00

I am often asked what the children are working on throughout the day. The older kids work on writing and reciting their letters, numbers, and their names. I also pick up work books from the dollar store as well.

Here's a list of other things we work on:

-Alphabet (Capital and lower case letters)
-Numbers
-Beginning Words
-Colors
-Singing
-Nursery Rhymes
-Opposites
-Shapes
-Puzzles
-Reading
-Days of the Week
-Months

Daycare Meetings

2011-09-08T20:00:00.002-04:00

I love to hear from new perspective parents, that may be interested in starting their children in our care. The best time to meet is when an appointment is setup, ahead of time! Please don't just come by without proper notice. I want to always be safe especially when I have other people's children in my care.

Updated (Current) Drop-Off and Pick-Up List

2011-09-08T19:15:00.005-04:00

~Samuel Tucker Elementary
~Weyanoake Elementary
~Columbia Elementary
~Glasglow Middle School

*If you don't see the school that your child or children attend please call me to see if we can work something out.

Thanks, Tisha

New Assistant!!! YAY...

2011-06-16T10:58:00.001-04:00

We have a new person on board!!!! Thank God! We have been looking for a while, and meeting with people, but for some reason or another things wouldn't work out. Either there was a problem with having all their paperwork in order or just something. Finally, we have met someone that we like, and she has all her ducks in a row. The most important thing (besides her paperwork) was the kiddies also like her.

Freebies for Good Grades

2011-06-15T06:47:00.004-04:00

Now that school is out for the summer, why not reward your kids for their hard work all year? Many places are offering freebies or discounts when you bring in your report card with good grades!

These offers may vary by location, so be sure to call the business first to check if they are participating.

Baskin-Robbins — Free scoop of ice cream for good grades on your report card.

Blockbuster — Free movie rental for A’s or B’s on your report card if you bring it in within 30 days of issuance. Kid’s grades K – 12 are eligible and multiple students from each family are eligible.

Cheryl & Co — Free cookie for every A on your report card!

Chick-fil-A – Free 8 pack of nuggets for your all A’s and B’s report card.

Chuck E. Cheese – Have your child bring in their most recent report card and they will receive Free tokens for good grades, up to 15 tokens maximum per child. (Food purchase required.)

Family Video – Free movie rental for each A on your report card. Students K – College are eligible.

Krispy Kreme – Receive a free donut for each A on your report card (up to 6 A’s).
Limited Too – Report cards may be taken in to any Limited Too retail store within 30 days of issuance and receive $5 off their purchase that day.

Noah’s Bagels – Kids in grades 1 – 8 will receive a free bagel for each A on their report card.

McDonald’s – Free Happy Meal if you have a straight “A” report card.

Peter Piper Pizza – Free 7 inch, 1 topping pizza with good grades on report card.

Pizza Hut – Free Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk with 3 A’s on your report card. Dine in only.

Sbarro Pizza – Student with A’s and B’s on his or her report card gets a free slice of cheese or peperoni pizza and a small soda plus one for the accompanying adult.

Topps – Free gift when you bring in your report card.

Homeschoolers don’t feel left out! You can bring in your report cards too, and there are even some free printables HERE that you can use.

Thanks For the Mommas and Hip 2 Save!

Family Child Care Basics (Book Review)

2011-06-13T11:23:00.003-04:00

*Given to me by: Gryphon House (www.gryphonhouse.com)

*Written by: Jennifer Karnopp

I had the opportunity to read a great book, about what to expect, when starting a childcare business. It was a very easy read, with tons of ideas to do with children during the day. I think that MOST providers are always looking for new things to do with children throughout the day, and if you are you should definitely pick up this book! The best part is it would be a write-off for your business. :)

The book covers how to setup your daycare, printable forms (ex. emergency contact), daily schedules/curriculum's, setups for indoor/outdoor areas, and has a child growth and development chart. The book tells you step by step how to play different learning games with children, and what questions you may want to ask during the games. It also has a list of materials that you would need, for each activity, and mostly likely you will probably already have in your kitchen.

If you are a new provider, or have been doing this for a long time, I bet you still could find something new.

For more information on Family Child Care Basics, check out www.gryphonhouse.com

Bye Bye Buggy Cover Review

2011-06-01T13:40:00.001-04:00

I love my buggies, but these covers are a TOTAL waste of money! They claim that the covers are water resistant, but when it rains there is water in all of the seats, for all of that I could of just sat the buggies out in the middle of my patio, without the covers on them.

Did I mention that the Bye Bye Buggy Covers are approximately $80-$100 a piece.

GOODNESS... Can I get my money back??

I wish I had...

2011-05-13T16:49:00.001-04:00

Bruce Johnson's skills. I also wish I would of taken before pictures of the mess he had to deal with prior to his special touch. This man has been a true blessing. I know that this has absolutely nothing to do with daycare, but I just had to show off his work. In-order to really see his skills, you would need to make an appointment for daycare to see his work lol...

Here's Bruce's info:
Bruce Johnson of Bj's Lawn Care
571-243-9197

Looking for a PT Asst.

2011-03-21T17:19:00.000-04:00

Please e-mail me if you are interested in a position here at my home daycare. I would like to hire someone ASAP. Please make sure you are able to pass the background checks and have references that I can contact. For more information please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading, Tisha

Latishashomedaycare@live.com

Update on Drop-off's and Pick-up's

2011-03-11T11:03:00.001-05:00

I take children to Columbia, Samuel Tucker, Weyanoke, and Glen Forest elementary. If you are interested in your child being dropped off or picked up or both. Please contact me.

Licensing came by today!

2011-01-20T10:58:00.000-05:00

I had the best visit ever today! I am so elated, I don't know what to do! We have corrected almost all of the violations that were listed at the last visit. We had two violations that need to be taken care of! I will get on that as soon as my parents set through the door.

1st violations- Emergency contact full address
2nd violations- Making sure that I remember to write down when we do our fire drills

I am on it!!!

We changed the color scheme of the daycare!

2011-01-03T16:36:00.001-05:00

I just want to say "THANK YOU" to Mikeya (the brains behind the operation), Sy Sy (you did a hell of a job in the kitchen), Telisha (you showed up we all know.... LOL), Alison, and Jr. I would NOT of gotten all this done in such a short period of time if it wasn't for you all. Much Love, Tisha

I was interviewed on a site called: Daycare Providers

2010-10-16T11:19:00.004-04:00

Here's the Interview:

Lovedpu: 1- Why did you become a daycare provider? And, where are you located?

Latisha: I chose to become a provider because I love children! I feel like they have helped me grow as a person, and continue to. They know when you are feeling sad, and have this ability to lift you up. I am in Alexandria, VA

Lovedpu: 2- Are you licensed or certified, and for how many children at one time?

Latisha: I am licensed for 12 kids.

Lovedpu: 3- Do you have a home daycare or a center?

Latisha: I have a home daycare.

Lovedpu: 4- Do you have an assistant/s?

Latisha: I have one full-time assistant and one part-time.

Lovedpu: 5- What are your hours?

Latisha: 7 am- 6pm

Lovedpu: 6- Is there a set curriculum for the kids in your care?

Latisha: Yes, there is. We do singing, dancing, abc’s, numbers, reading, puzzles, coloring, shapes, beginning words, no TV at all, and much more!

Lovedpu: 7- Are you and your assistant/s up to date on your background checks and TB tests?

Latisha: Yes.

Lovedpu: 8- Do you have any violations? If so, have they been corrected?

Latisha: Unfortunately, I do, and yes they have all been corrected. My latest inspection had violations, on mainly paperwork, and I told my inspector that I didn't receive any notification that they had changed almost all the forms. So, if you look me up under dss, you will see that she noted that under each violation.

Lovedpu: 9- How often do you clean your toys?

Latisha: Daily.

Lovedpu: 10- Is there a registration fee?

Latisha: No.

Lovedpu: 11- Do you and your assistant/s take classes yearly?

Latisha: Yes, we do. I am currently taking the “School Readiness Program.” My assistants are taking classes as we speak as well, one is taking college courses, and the other is taking classes through Office for Children.

Lovedpu: 12- What have you learned since starting your daycare?

Latisha: I have learned a lot about myself. I believe that through all my interviews with parents, and through classes, I have bettered my myself personally, and my home daycare. I want nothing more than to make sure that the kids in my care are showed "love!" My violations have also helped me to push to be better, and that's why I make sure that I take care of each and every violation immediately!

Lovedpu: Latisha thanks for answering all my questions! As you may know, there are a ton of questions that I could have asked but, I would like to keep it short and sweet. You are our first “Featured Provider!” We are very excited! So if parents or providers want to connect with you how do they go about doing that?

Latisha: First off, I would like to say thanks for the opportunity!
E-mail: Latishashomedaycare@live.com Cell: 703-981-6150
Blog: http://latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com/

We currently have 3 openings!

2010-09-15T14:22:00.000-04:00

We accept all ages. Please feel free to contact us by any means.

Latishashomedaycare@live.com
Cell-703-981-6150 Feel free to text, or call
6470 Merritt Ct.
Alexandria, Va 22312

Check out this beautiful park we go to!

2010-09-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

We try to get the kids out daily! Its great for the kids, and great for us. They sleep like little angels after we get in. We put them in the buggies and go for a walk, and they just love it. I think I love it more than they do only because my arms getting muscles lol...

Pictures of my house

2010-07-29T11:13:00.000-04:00

Drop~off's and Pick~up's for Before and After School

2010-07-29T10:32:00.003-04:00

Hello Parents~

I am available to do drop-offs and pick-ups for Samuel Tucker, Columbia, Glen Forest and Weyanoke Elementary schools. If you have another elementary school that I don't have listed that your interested in me picking up your child/ren from please contact me.

Thanks for reading, Tisha
703-981-6150 (Feel free to call, e-mail or text me at this number)
Latishashomedaycare@live.com

Accepting Registration for my Daycare NOW!!!

2010-07-19T15:07:00.003-04:00

~NO REGISTRATION FEES

~Copy of your child/children's Birth Certificate

~Shot Records

~Contract

~Child Nutrition form

~Copy of your Child's Physical

~Sign a copy of Liability Insurance Declaration

~Sign Emergency Medical Authorization

Free Bowling for Kids

2010-07-11T15:14:00.001-04:00

I just signed my boys up for free bowling at this website called kidsbowlfree.com. I know I love free things!!

Here's the link:
Check out the link for more information.

Did you know????

2010-07-01T18:24:00.003-04:00

There is a scholarship program available that gives you tuition assistance if your a daycare provider! I am currently taking classes and have used the scholarship program here and there. You can even use these classes towards your cda or at least help you get started with your early childhood education degree. Check out the link for more information.

Oh the Joys of Daycare...

2010-06-11T22:06:00.002-04:00

Me~ I think I want five guys tonight.

Daycare Child~ Tisha you can't have five guys tonight, ~~that's way too many~~! You can only have one man at a time.

Me~ I tell her that its a place to eat and no MEN are involved, and laugh all day about her comment.

I love my job!!! This child always makes my day...

We just got TWO new buggies!! YAY!!

2010-03-21T20:49:00.003-04:00

We took the kids out and they absolutely LOVED them, which made me feel great! I have only been wanting these buggies for years, and when I saw them on sale, I just had to grab them...

Licensing came by on Friday...

2010-02-22T10:50:00.001-05:00

I have to admit my visit was horrible! She was here from 10 am to 2 pm. A lot of my violations were interesting to me because I was written up for things that have been the same since I began in 2005. I also realize that a lot has changed since I got my license and the only way to grow and learn is to make changes! However, the same inspector was here on July of last year and all the things she wrote me up for was the same in July! Moving on, I will make sure that I do my best to ensure that everything is up to par!

By the way, I have reached out to make sure I get all the necessary paperwork from all my parents, and have ordered and took care of ALL violations!!! YAY...

Did you know your child had poop in their diaper??

2010-02-09T10:52:00.001-05:00

So, I'm wondering if some people know that they have brought their child with poop in their diaper on several occasions? I know that sh-t happens lol. But, when there is a re-occurrence you start to wonder if they knew especially when the poop is hard as a rock and not to mention dry. Its kind of gross too! So, if you know your child has handled their business do us all a favor and take care of it before you bring them to daycare. We can tell when its old poop that they slept in all night.

Licensing- Why are you here today???

2009-12-19T10:30:00.001-05:00

I talked to one of my parents (in Feb.) and she lets me know that one of her co-workers just adopted a child and was looking for a home daycare. I tell her that we have one opening and its ok to give the lady my phone number. We setup the interview for the following day and everything was going great! She wanted to start that following Monday ~~but her payments would be two weeks behind!~~

I told her that I didn't feel comfortable with the payments being two weeks behind. We didn't have some type of bond and who knows whether she would of kept her end of the bargain? This lady leaves telling me she would work something out and that she would contact me.

So, off she went and that Monday I get a surprise inspection. My inspector was told that I cared for 18 children at a time! I looked around and said well if that's the case where are they???

Everything worked out because nothing came of the silly case...

Voluntary Recall by Hill Sportswear Inc.

2009-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hooded drawstrings are cause to a child being strangled to death. Hill Sportswear Inc., o Paramount, California have recalled over 120, 000 sweatshirts. Please click the link for more information over at CPSC. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09129.html

Millions of Drop-Side Cribs Recalled

2009-11-24T09:52:00.001-05:00

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission cribs made by Stork Craft, of Canada, have been recalled due to children getting caught in between the railings and the bars. These cribs were sold at Kmart, Walmart, Sears, and Target.

Please check http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10046.html for more information.

19 Reasons You'll Love my Home Daycare

2009-11-18T13:27:00.001-05:00

1. Licensed
2. Unannounced visits by Inspector
3. I have the best Assistant
4. CPR/1st Aid trained
5. Capacity 12
6. Regular scheduled activities (outside)
7. Small and mixed age group
8. Flexible hours
9. Comfy home feel
10. Before and after school care
11. Transportation to/from school
12. No registration fee
13. Personable and loving
14. Low turn-over (most of my kids have been w/me for at least 2 yrs.)
15. I work as a team w/my parents
16. On USDA food program
17. Cost
18. Accepts Full/Pt time, Drop-in, On-call,
19. Provider training classes are taking regularly

My background...

2009-11-14T20:09:00.000-05:00

My name is Latisha Jalloh. I've owned my own business since 2005. I started with a certificate. By getting a certificate I was allowed to have five children, I wanted to expand so I got a license. Now I have twelve children plus an assistant.

I have learned so much along the way! One, you should help other up and coming daycare providers because you receive so many blessings from helping others. I believe this is why my house stays full. When I started I thought I would buy a few toys and had no idea how much paperwork went into owning your business. People let’s not forget that this is a business.

If I haven’t learned anything else I have learned that you have to hold on to everything:

-Bank statements from when you began (I know because of personal experience like being audited IRS) I’ll go further at another time.
-Receipts (I’ve learned that receipts start to fade so you should scan them.)
-A wonderful accountant (I love my lady)
-I’ve even went as far as taking pictures of each room that I use for my daycare
-Please have insurance on our rental, and especially if you own your home
-I have insurance on my vehicle as well because you just never know!

The list goes on but, this is all I can think of for now. If I think of anything else I will list it. Please include your thoughts and if you have any questions don’t hesitate ask.

Icing or poop?

2009-11-14T19:36:00.000-05:00

Parents and Providers: Has this ever happened to you?

I had just put the kiddies down for a nap and was doing my normal routine of going around checking on all the kids and noticed that one child in particular had something special around his lips, and hands. I think to myself what the heck? I know that I didn’t give the kids any ummm lets say ice cream. So what could that be? poop never crossed my mind. I know that every child is different. So, what I want to know is has this ever happened to you? Has your child ever ate his own you know poop? Is this normal? What should the parents or providers do?