Shows how to minimize risk of an IRS audit and how to avoid traps caused by improper documentation and reporting requirements. Outlines the most likely audit areas for business tax returns. These include cash business; for sole proprietors, Schedule C; S and C corporation salary issues; shareholder loans; contractors versus employees; fringe…

Gives basic information about establishing an archive in a limited amount of space and accommodating some special materials. Discusses why a day care center or similar facility should bother to keep such records. Outlines start-up and maintenance tasks and includes a useful table of types of archival documents and artifacts in child care centers.…

Compares seven center management programs used for basic financial and data management tasks such as accounting, payroll and attendance records, and mailing lists. Describes three other specialized programs and gives guidelines for selecting the best software for a particular center. (NH)

Provides a step-by-step guide to selecting computer software that will meet a child care center director's needs. Describes 16 computer programs designed for management of child care centers. (BB)

Day-care centers may ask for and obtain unspent money set aside by parents for child-care expenses, using employer-provided dependent care plans. Recommends tips for working with parents, steps for keeping accurate records, and ideas for the future. (SM)

Notes that child care directors need a flexible and structured filing and retrieval system for all their documents, but most importantly, their essential documents. Provides a case study, a "to do" list for reorganizing a child care program's filing system, an inventory and supply order list, and a list of essential document categories.…

Notes the importance of skilled classroom observation, and examines how early childhood teachers can improve their classroom observation and recordkeeping techniques. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of methods of recording teacher observations, such as 3x5 cards, audio- and videotapes, and spiral notebooks. Elements of daily observation…

Discusses changes in the accounting requirements for nonprofit organizations resulting from the implementation of two Statements of Financial Accounting Standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Examines changes in recording transactions, ascertaining the correct way to record donations or unconditional promises for donations,…

The first in a two-part series, this article addresses issues related to emotional and organizational preparation for selling a child-care business. Suggestions are provided on how to prepare a financing package, to set a value and respond to various offers, to be emotionally prepared and address the concerns of staff and parents, and to…

Information from meetings on the legal aspects of child sexual abuse is used a starting point for a discussion of risk management and program improvement plans intended to safeguard child care center staff from unwarranted accusations. A full-page chart of "Self-Defense Strategies" is included. (DR)