We love this! A Sitter Swap – the perfect way to find a reliable babysitter!

Join Sara Jane Children’s Boutique for their very first Sitter Swap, 5-7 PM Wed. Feb. 6, 2013! We’ve all had those mommy moments when you’ve needed that last minute sitter and wish we had that magic book of reliable babysitters to go to. Voila- that’s where Sara Jane’s Sitter Swap comes in.

Moms (or Dads…. Grandparents, or friends are welcome too!!) best part is all you have to do is show up! That’s right…. Sara Jane’s will have fun flirty drinks, snacks, and showcase all their fabulous spring fashions and have giveaways (yes, giveaways!!) And you get to go home with your very own look book of all the attending babysitters! (can’t get much better than that) All Sara Jane asks is please RSVP so they can have enough books. So Please RSVP via email sarajanekids@comcast.net  or phone 912-234-5266

Babysitters: Please send a picture, along with your age, where you attend school, your telephone number, availability, email address, references, experience, and anything else special that would make you stand out as a great babysitter! Please send to sarajanekids@comcast.net

sara jane children’s boutique, 202 East 37th St., Savannah, Ga. 31401, 912-234-5266, email sarajanekids@comcast.net, http://sarajane.myshopify.com/ Sara Jane Children’s Boutique is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

It’s hard to believe that the beloved go-to agency for vacation nannies, babysitters & live-in nanny services –  Hilton Head Nannies – could get any better.  After all, they’re already the leading nanny placement agency specializing in the recruitment and placement of highly-qualified nannies.

But Hilton Head Nannies just became even more essential.

While celebrating their 5th year in business birthday,  Hilton Head Nannies has expanded into companion work (Hilton Head Companions) and Pet Nanny Work!

Hilton Head Companions is a compassionate senior care service that assists seniors in staying in their homes longer. Hilton Head Companions provides families with non-medical, private-duty senior-care, elder-care, respite care, personal care, companionship, and home care with the goal of helping seniors stay in their own homes. To see the various senior services provided, click here. Call today for a complimentary in-home consultation: (843)342-5673

Hilton Head Nannies serves Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, Beaufort, Palmetto Bluff, Fripp Island, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Tybee Island, and Wilmington Island areas of South Carolina and Georgia.

Hilton Head Nannies, “The More We Care, The More Beautiful Life Becomes” www.HiltonHeadNannies.com , 843.815.1313 Appointments may be made 24 hrs, 7 days per week on the Hilton Head Nannies website. Follow Hilton Head Nannies on Facebook here for updated information, coupons &  special promotions! Hilton Head Nannies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

PROGRESSIVE, AFFORDABLE, DIVERSE ENROLLING NOW!

For children 6 weeks-4 years

FREE registration for SouthernMamas.com readers!

Among the many things that makes mama frantic, the quest for quality childcare trumps all.

Trying to find an affordable Savannah early learning center that fits your progressive tastes and provides a nurturing and diverse environment is tough.

Set in Midtown Savannah, BEST Academy enrolls children from Infants to 4 years old. Their creative approach to learning and playing brings something unique to childcare in Savannah. The Children at BEST receive the benefit of
having highly-qualified and enthusiastic teachers who keep children engaged with hands on lessons and innovative teaching.

There is art, yoga, and Ms. Amy’s School of Music provides musical fun and child-led instrument jams.

BEST Academy is proud of their all vegetarian menu. Each spring and fall they plant their own organic garden, with the kids lending a hand. Healthy eating produces healthy kids!

They encourage the kids to learn while doing. And, after lots of learning, the 12,000 square-foot playground gives kids plenty of room to do what kids do best – play.

BEST currently has openings for the fall and they welcome new families. BEST is happy to work with parents looking for part-time or flexible schedules.

Feel free to visit, meet the staff and see BEST in action.

BEST Academy, 1010 E. Duffy St. at the corner of Waters Avenue, 912.335-7123 or email best.academy1@gmail.com www.thebestacademy.net BEST Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Looking for a private Savannah preschool for this upcoming school year?

Check out First Christian Preschool in Savannah which first opened its doors in 1952 and has been in continuous operation since.   The preschool now offers Pre- Two, Two, Three, and Four year old classes and is in session from 9 AM-12 noon.  First Christian Preschool also offers a Summer Camp program from 9 AM-2 PM during June and July. 

Here’s great news for parents looking for a fun indoor place where you can get fit or stay fit with your child:

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness just opened in Richmond Hill.

The brand new venue at 2552 US Highway 17 offers parent/child classes, birthday parties, Mommy’s Morning Out, free play, pay to play and more!

Classes begin Mon. Aug. 1. Limited slots remaining. Enroll online here or call 912.756.2828.

For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness also hosts a FREE storytime every first Thursday of the month at 1 PM. Reservations Required. Call 912.756.2828

Lifetime Membership Fee waived for those that register on-line July 23-July 30. Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts also offered.

Stay connected and learn more about upcoming events by liking Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook by clicking here.  

SouthernMamas.com often hears from moms who say they wish our area had more indoor play spots, so please support this new kid-and-parent friendly business. Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is also open Saturdays, ideal for work-outside-the-home parents looking for parent-child weekend activities.

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

For kids, summer means no school and lazy days at the pool. For a lot of parents, summer means searching for ways to keep the kids busy while you’re at work.

From now until June 30, Southernmamas.com readers can apply for just $59 and welcome an au pair into your home as early as next month. Your live-in au pair can help make your summer less chaotic by:

View some of AuPairCare’s more popular au pairs now, such as German au pairs and Brazilian au pairs, or search all available au pairs by language.

Getting started is easy! Apply online and use the promo code SUMMER$59 to apply for only $59 (over $290 in savings!) You can also speak with a Program Advisor at 1-800-428-7247 and receive a free, no obligation childcare consultation.

Need childcare this summer?

No matter how many children you have, enjoy reliable childcare for just $340 per week with AuPairCare!

Au pair childcare offers you flexibility. The diversity of the au pair selection allows you to choose the au pair with the childcare experience, special skills, interests and personality that will best fit your family’s lifestyle. You set your au pair’s schedule and working hours to meet your needs.

Take a look at AuPairCare’s available au pairs by clicking here:

AuPairCare is the only au pair agency with an A+ rating form the Better Business Bureau cases, au pairs save families money while providing a rich cross-cultural experience. To find out more information about live-in childcare starting at $340 per week call 912.844.8487 or log onto AuPairCare.com. AuPairCare is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor.

Need a Mary Poppins to take over at a moment’s notice?

Check out Hilton Head Nannies, a leading nanny placement agency specializing in the recruitment and placement of highly-qualified nannies. Hilton Head Nannies serves Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, Beaufort, Palmetto Bluff, Fripp Island, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Tybee Island, and Wilmington Island areas of South Carolina and Georgia.

Hilton Head Nannies clientele includes local families, families from all around the world who come to the Lowcountry to vacation, sports professionals, media personalities, internationally known musicians, movie directors, actors/actresses. Hilton Head Nannies has been the official Nanny & Babysitting Service of The Heritage PGA Tournament since 2007.

Owner and operator Jennie Krogulski has parlayed her more than 20 years working in childcare – including working as a  nanny for children nationwide and on Hilton Head Is. – into finding the perfect caregiver for your family whether for babysitting, vacation nanny services or part-time or live-in nanny jobs. 

Vacation Nanny Services

The agency’s Vacation Nannies Hotel, Villa, & Rental Home Childcare Services – available 24-Hours a day, 7 days a week – is ideal for tourists visiting the Hilton Head Island area. The nannies will come directly to your home or vacation suite. You and your children will receive a special postcard from your vacation nanny so that you know a little about her prior to your arrival.

Babysitting for Hilton Head Island & Bluffton Residents

Now you can have your own Placement Coordinator & Nanny Concierge Service that you can call on when you need a babysitter. Hilton Head Nannies offers such a service for locals in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton areas. Simply sign up for HHN’s Parent’s Time-Out babysitting program. After you pay a low annual membership, you can call Hilton Head Nannies with the date and time that you need a sitter and they’ll deliver a professional caregiver to your door.

Just like a real-life Mary Poppins, sans the flying umbrella and carpet bag, of course.

SouthernMamas.com discount: 10% off for all Southern Mamas readers on one service or 20% off annual membership fee. Mention you read about Hilton Head Nannies on SouthernMamas.com to receive your discount!

Hilton Head Nannies , Hilton Head Office: (843) 342-5673; Bluffton Office: (843) 815-1313; email children@hiltonheadnannies.com ; P.O. Box 2782, Bluffton, SC 29910, www.hiltonheadnannies.com  Hilton Head Nannies is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Savannah Yoga Center at 1319 Bull St. believes that moms and dads should be able to grow a yoga practice while raising kids. While you find your center, your kiddo will be enjoying structured activities with other children right in the other room. Childcare at Savannah Yoga Center provides organized learning, yoga, & skill development projects for ages 6mo – 5yrs. Cost is $5 per child, $3 per additional sibling.

Child Care Times:
Tuesday 10am-11:45am
Wednesday10:30am-12:15pm
Thursday 10am-11:45am
Friday 10:15am-12:00pm

Please reserve childcare 24hrs in advanced via email: savannahyoga@gmail.com. For more info. on childcare at Savannah Yoga Center, click here.

Savannah Yoga Center also wants to encourage practicing yoga WITH your child. Which is why Savannah Yoga Center offers a Mommy and Baby (for babies 9 – 14 months old.) yoga class at 10:15 am Mondays and a Mommy and Infants (for Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling) yoga class at 11:45 am Mondays. Click here for more info on those classes.

Savannah Yoga Center, 1319 Bull Street, Savannah, 31401, email: savannahyoga@gmail.com, (912) 232-2994, www.savannahyoga.com Savannah Yoga Center is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor

AuPairCare is happy to make, cross-cultural, live-in care an option in Savannah and surrounding areas.

Have you ever looked at a successful couple and wonder how they do it? Both husband and wife work full time jobs, run a family business, work as politicians or in philanthropy? It’s quite possible that they have a family member that lives in their home, but it’s more likely that they have live-in childcare.

For years, au pairs have been the secret of success for families in cosmopolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles and now that option is available to you. Your children will be exposed to different languages and cultures without having to leave the comfort of your very own home.

AuPairCare is the only au pair agency with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. AuPairCare provides live-in childcare in the Savannah, Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island areas.

Au pairs from more than 40 countries are screened overseas and, as a family, you are able to interview and select your own au pair for the best possible match. In the best cases, au pairs save families money while providing a rich cross-cultural experience.

Most host families find that the young adult they host becomes a member of their family and a life-long friend to their children. Read essays from participating families and find out more about the program by clicking here.

NO APPLICATION FEE FOR SOUTHERNMAMAS READERS! AuPairCare’s $350 application fee is being waived for SouthernMamas readers from Aug. 2 – Aug. 9. Apply at www.aupaircare.com with promo code: AUPAIR$

To find out more information about live-in childcare starting at $340 per week, call 912.844.8487 or log onto AuPairCare.com.

 Babysitters & Nannies  – which pairs families with child care providers for babysitting, part-time nanny or live-in nanny jobs – will offer an April discount to SouthernMamas readers: $50 off a yearly babysitting membership and $100 off  a nanny placement service.

Babysitters & Nannies serves Savannah, Tybee Is., Wilmington Island, Bluffton, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, Charleston and surroundng areas. Babysitters & Nannies has an arsenal of vetted candidates who are CPR certified and have undergone DMV checks and extensive criminal records checks.

After you pay a membership fee that comes out to less than $1 a day (and even less with the April discount), you can request a babysitter 24 hours-a-day via phone, email or by filling out a Babysitter Request Form through the Babysitters & Nannies website.

Make sure you mention SouthernMamas sent you to receive your April discount.

Also, school will be out sooner than you think and Babysitters & Nannies has summer nannies for elementary kids who are out of school.

Babysitters & Nannies, Owner/Operator Jenna Lucas, Phone: 843-384-4317; Fax: 843-757-8294 email info@babysittersandnannies.com  or jenna@babysittersandnannies.com ; www.babysittersandnannies.com, 6 Victory Point Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910

Of the top 10 things that make parents anxious, the search for reliable childcare is No. 1.

Your model babysitter or nanny is a mix of Jo Frost and Mary Poppins, with a dash of Julie Andrews’ Maria von Trapp for levity.

For a blend of all of the above, check out Babysitters & Nannies, serving Savannah, Tybee Is., Wilmington Island, Bluffton, Hilton Head Is., Beaufort, Charleston and surroundng areas.

 Babysitters & Nannies pairs families with child care providers for babysitting, part-time nanny or live-in nanny jobs. Babysitters & Nannies has an arsenal of vetted candidates who are CPR certified and have undergone DMV checks and extensive criminal records checks.

After you pay a membership fee that comes out to less than $1 a day, you can request a babysitter 24 hours-a-day via phone, email or by filling out a Babysitter Request Form through the Babysitters & Nannies website.

Babysitters & Nannies offer a variety of enticing discounts – of which the best is 10 percent off to SouthernMamas readers! Make sure you mention SouthernMamas sent you.

Babysitters & Nannies Give Back Program allows you the option of donating 10 percent of your membership fee back to a participating school or charity of your choice.

Even Mary Poppins can’t beat that.

Babysitters & Nannies, Owner/Operator Jenna Lucas, Phone: 843-384-4317; Fax: 843-757-8294; email info@babysittersandnannies.com  or jenna@babysittersandnannies.com ; www.babysittersandnannies.com, 6 Victory Point Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910

How’s your child’s day-care?

State inspectors have issued more than 800 citations for violations at 85 licensed day care learning centers in Chatham County since June 2007, according to this article in today’s Savannah Morning News.

The good news is there were also seven local day cares that received NO violations during the same period.

Here are the day cares with serious problems, according to the article:

CHILDCARE NETWORK NO. 20, 12441 WHITE BLUFF ROAD

ANGEL’S CHILDCARE & ENRICHMENT CENTER II, 409 E. 39TH ST.

DUTCHTOWN CHILDREN’S CENTER, 911 DUTCHTOWN ROAD

THE STARTING POINT DAY CARE, 1929 SKIDAWAY ROAD

ELF’S CHILDREN CENTER, 4802 KIM ST.

Centers not cited include the following:

ABC Child Care Center #1, 1106 E. 48th St.

Kicklighter Academy, 7219 Seawright Drive

Sanctuary Child Learning And Development Center, 8912 Whitfield Ave.

The Lady Bamford Early Childhood Education Center, 1410 Richards St.

Wesley Community Centers CC, 1601 Drayton St.

Savannah Morning News also put together a database of state violations issued to Chatham County child care learning centers. To see if your child’s day-care received state violations, click here.