Preferred Way to Take Attendance

[Familycare71]

I am wondering what everyone preferred way to take attendance is... Currently I do it my self but have seen that many use a sign in/out sheet or checkin kids (I think that's right). I think I want to switch to this- I do contracted hours. Just wondering what you use and why- also what you tried and didn't work if applicable.
I don't like the idea of printing so many papers BUT I also don't know that I want to have my iPad available at all times either...
Thanks

[SSWonders]

I use a time clock. It's quicker than trying to write everyone down and I get exact time in and out.

[Familycare71]

I use a time clock. It's quicker than trying to write everyone down and I get exact time in and out.

Oh! I like that- where would I find one? Are they expensive??

[Blackcat31]

Here's an inexpensive one:

http://www.officemachinedepot.com/acroprint-time-recorders/timex-t100-time-clock-64244.aspx

[lovemylife]

Here's an inexpensive one:

http://www.officemachinedepot.com/acroprint-time-recorders/timex-t100-time-clock-64244.aspx

That's awesome! A little on the pricey side for me right now.

[SSWonders]

I've found some in the $100 range on Amazon. Maybe try Ebay or Craig's list for a used one.

[daycarediva]

I have check in kids, but I can only use it for 7/8 of my little kids. The other family has a varying schedule, and check in kids doesn't allow me to add the changes in days/hours at all. For the other family I use a printed weekly time sheet with the contracted days/hours and then write in the actual times.

Does Minute menu kids allow you to use various schedules per child/family? For this ONE family with a custody arrangement, sometimes the hours are 7-5 (Mom) and 8-5:45 (Dad)

[LoraJenkins]

I use a sign-in/sign-out sheet that is on a clipboard by my front door. The parents have to sign it at drop-off and pick-up. Saves a lot of headaches for me.

[Familycare71]

I use a sign-in/sign-out sheet that is on a clipboard by my front door. The parents have to sign it at drop-off and pick-up. Saves a lot of headaches for me.

So do you do a weekly sheet with all the kids names on it or a sheet for each kid?
The time clock is a bit expensive for me right now.

[Blackcat31]

I use a sign-in/sign-out sheet that is on a clipboard by my front door. The parents have to sign it at drop-off and pick-up. Saves a lot of headaches for me.

That's how I do it too. I keep a clip board on the top of the cubby's near the parent bulletin board.

I usually record the times myself (so there is no discrepancies) and then hand the clip board to the parents to initial.

My sign in/out sheet has space for each child for the whole week so I use one sheet per week.

I mark any LATE times in red.

[LoraJenkins]

So do you do a weekly sheet with all the kids names on it or a sheet for each kid?
The time clock is a bit expensive for me right now.

I do a weekly sheet for all children. Each section has a child's name, then underneath it has the days of the week. It is so easy to keep track of who is out that way.

[snbauser]

Like some of the others, I have a clipboard on top of my cubbies and a small clock right next to it. Parents fill in arrival time and sign at drop off and pick up time and sign at pick up. I use the in/out sheets from MMK. Our licensing requires that we have accurate attendance records with in and out times at all times.

[MsLaura529]

I just use my planner/attendance book that the food program provided me with. I don't have to have parents signatures, so I just write down the names, time in and time out for each day. I am also able to keep track of who paid, and how much, each week.

[momofsix]

I use a sign-in/sign-out sheet that is on a clipboard by my front door. The parents have to sign it at drop-off and pick-up. Saves a lot of headaches for me.

This is what I do too. One sheet per week with everyone's name on it. parents write the time in/out in the boxes for their child.
Simplest thing I've found.

[coolconfidentme]

I use check in kids & PDF it each month. I keep an excel spreadsheet that ties the hours to charges. If a parent questions it, I refer to the check in kids they logged in with.