Volume 5 Issue 2 Page 1 of 2
Spring 2005
News & Updates
Wanted: Homework Helpers
Are you interested in earning some extra money and doing something incredibly rewarding at the same time? Become a free-lance tutor! We are going to start offering our "Homework Helper" service to families. If you have teaching or tutoring experience and would like to participate, please send an email to Wendy Sachs at: wsachs@nannyagency.com
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Don't Forget…If your contact or employment information has changed: Please visit our website and update it on our Nanny Update Information Page. The address: http://www.nannyagency.com/nanny_update.php
Website Corner
This month's picks:
www.edbydesign.com: Fun and educational games and learning resources for kids from 5 to 16. Interactive art games, math puzzles, even Pokemon and Harry Potter games!
www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet: The online version of the children's classic. This beautifully designed website is packed with activities for preschoolers through grade 6. Be sure to click on Oscar's trash can!
Playground Safety
Now that spring is on its way, your child's play will probably start to move outdoors. While this might be a bit of a relief, playground safety is an important issue. Here are some guidelines to help playtime stay safe.
Whether it's a swing set in the backyard or the more elaborate apparatus in the park, there are many positive things to say about playground equipment. The use of this equipment encourages children to test and expand their physical abilities. However, there are some inevitable dangers. The risks can be minimized when equipment is well designed and children are taught basic playground manners.
Before allowing your child to play, take a close look at the equipment and the surfaces underneath. The equipment should be well maintained and the surfaces underneath should be soft and able to absorb the impact of a fall.
Safe surfaces underneath playground equipment are also critical. These surfaces make a serious or fatal head injury less likely to occur if a child falls. This is because such surfaces absorb the impact of a fall. Some examples of "safer surfaces" include:
- Sand (10 inches deep)
- Wood chips (12 inches deep)
- Rubber outdoor mat (follow manufacturers' instructions)
- Sand and wood chips, which absorb impact, should be raked at least weekly to keep them soft. They also need refilling often to keep the correct depth.
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