Daycare Diaries

Rebecca McLaughlin grew up in Watertown, CT in a large family. She moved to Minnesota in 1993 and started working at a large corporate daycare center where as a Teacher, then as Assistant Director, then Director. For the past 15 years she has been running a home daycare which allowed her to make a living while raising her own 7 children.Rita Palashewski grew up in Los Angeles, California, then moved to Minnesota after getting married. After having her first of four children, she opened her first childcare center, licensed for 90 children. Along with a staff of 13, she has been operating her daycare center for the past 14 years, serving hundreds of families through the years and helping their children grow and flourish.

• Section I: The Parents1. The Journey BeginsThe Insurance PlanJust Around the CornerCheck the CheckPop-In2. It Never Hurts to AskBaby Bottle BluesTime to VentBeware of the StairsDon’t Feel Bad 3. When to Wonder, When to WorryFinger-Painting Without Paint Guess Who I Ran IntoAn Unpleasant Surprise Haircut Day 4. Shocking Realities Field Trip for One Big Scare Under the Big Top In a Split Second Daily Sheet Disaster 5. Daycares Don’t Have Drive-ThrusHonk HonkThe Teeny Weeny Little DiapereenyNo, We Do Not DeliverThe Haircut That Never Happened6. At LastMomma in Tears Bumps” In the RoadThe Last Minute Phone CallMonkeying Around Section II: The Childcare Providers7. All That Glitters Is Not GoldCulture Shock Tell-Tale SignsNot the Place for My ChildWhile Cameras Roll8. The Job of a SuperheroDaycare Diva Saves the Day Field Trip to the Emergency RoomAll Aboard the Vomit ExpressJust In Time9. It Drives Us NutsCan I Have Your NumberPanic on PaydayNo Cell Phone ZoneAll’s Fair in Love and Donuts Keep It Away Skinny Jeans Are Not for Everyone10. A Little Appreciation Goes A Long WayWhat’s the WordPotty Training…Who’s Training Who A Little Text with a Big MessageCloset Full of Surprises11. Eye-Opening AdmissionsHome AloneAre All Buckles BuckledThe One Left Behind The Backup Plan 12. Behind Closed DoorsSinging in the RainSocial HourWhere Did Everyone GoWhat’s in the “Pot”Section III: The Child13. You Just Might be SurprisedDaycare DilemmaI Need Holding One Size Doesn’t Fit All Giving it Time14. It’s the Little Things That Matter MostBaby Blues Messy Madness Brrrrrrr15. Bonds and BridgesLove Connection Gone too SoonMy “Honey” Building a Bridge 16. Home Away From HomeA Kiss for Everyone No, Not YetThe Wish Turbulent Times17. Memories and MilestonesOne of the Firsts Season of Memories Where is my SisterPride on the High Dive 18. What Your Child Walks Away WithBFF’S Please Stop, I Don’t Like ThatQueen of the Daycare Give Him SpaceTestimonials