It is important to decide on a name for your center early on.  Your child care center's name will, in essence, be your trademark to the community. You want your name to reflect on your program's purpose.  The name should be short and concise.  Avoid cute and trendy names related to children and child care; a name or phrase that is popular now may not retain its value or identity later.  You want families and the community to recognize your child care center by a name that will hold a reputation of a high quality establishment.  Brainstorm some possible names for your center, indicate the one you think are appropriate, then ask friends and colleagues which names appeal to them and why.

For routine care, clean the surface using a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent.  Difficult stains such as paint can be removed using a mild household cleaner/detergent and a soft bristled brush, repeating as necessary.  If a stain persists, use a paste of baking soda and water and apply with a soft bristled brush.  Light scrubbing for 10 to 20 strokes should remove most stains.  Although baking soda is a low abrasive, excessive scrubbing or exerting too much force could damage the surface, especially if it has a gloss finish.   

Recommended Household Cleaners:

• Windex
• Glass Plus
• Lestoil
• Grease Relief
• Dow Bathroom Cleaner with Scrubbing Bubbles
• Lysol Brand Disinfectant
• Dawn
• Fantastik
• Favor
• Pledge
• Mr. Clean
• Top Job
• Formula 409

Are you looking for ways to clean crayon marks off of plastic chairs and other products?  Here are three suggested methods from Wendy Haner, the Director of Product Sourcing & Design, for Kaplan Early Learning Company.

Method 1

• Dampen a sponge and apply baking soda to the sponge.  
• Apply sponge to affect area using circular motion.  
• Wipe with a damp cloth.

Method 2:

• Spray the affected plastic with WD-40 or another oil-based car part lubricant.  Vinylex Quick Wipes by Lexol also work wonders.  You can find them at in the auto department or in an auto store.
• Leave it on for 3 minutes.
• Wipe the plastic with a soft cloth.
• If any residue remains, wash it off in a circular motion with warm, soapy water and a sponge.

Method 3:

• Try Goo Gone.