KIDS CROWN AWARDS: IMPORTANT MATTERS: SouthFlorida.com

BEST EMERGENCY ROOM FOR KIDS
WEST BOCA MEDICAL CENTER
21644 State Road 7, Boca Raton,BR> 561-488-8000
www.westbocamedctr.com
It's never fun to take a trip to the emergency room, but readers tell us that if you must, this is the place to go. Ready to handle everything from a few stitches to dehydration to broken bones and more-serious illnesses, this facility, separate from the adult treatment area, is equipped with the technology and expertise necessary to treat pediatric emergencies. The playful staff is dedicated to making your child feel as at ease as possible by playing distracting games and offering coloring materials to make the wait time a bit more manageable.

BEST AFTER-HOURS CARE
PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES
Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach
www.pediatricassociates.com
With more than 50 years of experience, Pediatric Associates knows a thing or two about meeting the needs of parents and kids. The venerable practice now offers its patients extended hours for urgent care in six of its 21 offices, with three additional locations to offer extended hours this year. Laboratory tests, X-rays and stitches are a few of the services available to new and existing patients. Most insurance and Medicaid are accepted, and though patients should expect higher costs for extended-hour visits, they'll still save over a trip to the emergency room.

BEST PLACE TO GO IF YOU'RE SICK AND CAN'T GET A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT
THE MINUTE CLINIC INSIDE CVS PHARMACY
16 locations from Miami to Juno Beach
866-389-2727
www.minuteclinic.com
While it's certainly no substitute for a thorough exam from your trusted family physician, the Minute Clinic can be a terrific relief when you can't get in to see your doctor for two weeks and you need meds now. Staffed by nurse practitioners and physician's assistants, the Minute Clinic can diagnose and treat common ailments such as pink eye, allergy symptoms, skin conditions, sinus infections, the flu, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and strep throat. The nurses also take care of wellness services such as camp physicals and vaccinations. A menu of treatments is available online, as well as the flat fee charged for them, but insurance is also accepted.

BEST PEDIATRICIAN WHO MAKES HOUSE CALLS FOR INFANTS
WEE CARE
2114 N. Flamingo Road, Suite 1261, Pembroke Pines
954-433-2273
www.mothersdoula.com
With a newborn's immune system so fresh and pure, wouldn't it be nice to skip the germy waiting room at the pediatrician's office and have the doc come to you? Wee Care's board-certified pediatricians begin care at the hospital and transition to your home upon discharge. Services include comprehensive well and sick-care visits with growth and nutritional assessments, developmental milestones evaluation and immunizations for infants up to 4 months old. Children may then continue to see the pediatrician for office visits. Wee Care accepts most insurance.

BEST CHILDREN'S SKIN CARE
CHILDREN'S SKIN CENTER AT MIAMI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Dr. Ana Duarte
3100 SW 62nd Ave., Miami
305-669-6555
www.childrensskincenter.com
It's the biggest organ of the human body, and when it requires special care, readers head to one of the few board-certified pediatric dermatologists in the state, Dr. Ana Duarte. Duarte points to the kid-friendly nature of her office and the effectiveness of the treatments they provide as the key reasons parents from all over the state bring their children to the Children's Skin Center. Established in 1995, Duarte's office provides treatment of a wide range of commonly known skin ailments such as eczema, warts, viral infections and acne, and specializes in cases such as hemangioma and vascular birthmarks.

BEST PLACE FOR HOLISTIC PRENATAL CLASSES
AMAZING BIRTHS
4722 NW Second Ave., Suite C108, Boca Raton
561-988-5351
www.amazingbirths.com
If you are going to have a giant pregnant belly, why not show it off and learn how to belly dance? The ancient art of belly dancing, which was originally used in the aid of labor and delivery, as well as a method of seduction, is just one of the classes offered here in addition to fertility, prenatal and mommy/baby yoga, aromatherapy, beneficial herbs for pregnancy, breast-feeding and naturopathic care of newborns, which teaches parents holistic ways to care for baby from diapering to preventing colic. See the Amazing Birth's Web site for class times and fees.

BEST DOULA SERVICES
MOTHER'S CARE DOULA SERVICES
2114 N. Flamingo Road, Suite 1261, Pembroke Pines
954-438-0275 or 305-979-2823
www.mothersdoula.com
Who doesn't need a doula? Providing labor and delivery support, in a hospital or home birth, by giving consistent emotional and physical assistance, a doula can give parents the extra hand they need during this challenging and exciting time. Postpartum doulas can be a lifesaver by helping a family get on track by teaching newborn care, breast-feeding assistance, performing light housekeeping duties, running errands, and integrating and caring for siblings. You may never want her to leave. This full-service agency not only provides expert doulas, but also childbirth classes, hypnobirthing classes, birthing aids such as balls and tubs, and nanny placement.

BEST BIRTHING CENTER
MIAMI MATERNITY CENTER
140 NE 119th St., Miami
305-754-2229
www.miamibirth.com
This favorite of our readers recently added a fourth licensed midwife to its multilingual practice that also includes a certified nurse midwife and midwifery assistants. The cozy and inviting full-service facility offers prenatal care, childbirth classes, labor and delivery and postnatal care. Home births are also an option, as well as tub births. The birthing center charges a one-time flat fee for delivery and accepts most insurance plans and Medicaid, and will assist families who wish to pay cash.

BEST EXERCISE FOR MOMS
STROLLER STRIDES
Multiple class locations in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties
866-348-4666
www.strollerstrides.com
This program was tailor-made for moms who aren't quite ready to plop junior in the gym's child care but who are ready to begin busting those postnatal pounds. Workouts average about an hour with walking and interval toning as the core of the program with additional time spent on abs. Meeting places vary, from local parks for outdoor exercise to indoor meeting places like malls or community centers to keep you motivated in the summer heat.

BEST EARLY EDUCATION CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI DEBBIE SCHOOL
The Mailman Center for Child Development 1601 NW 12th Ave., Miami 305-243-6961, www.peds2.med.miami.edu/mailman Finding just the right preschool for your child can be tough for any parent and those with children who have special needs face additional challenges. Fortunately, the Debbie Institute offers family-centered educational services in inclusive classroom settings on three different levels: an early education program for newborns to 3-year-olds with developmental disabilities, an auditory/oral education program for newborns to 7-year-olds who are deaf or hard of hearing, and an Infant-Toddler-Preschool Education Program for children who are typically developing. Programs run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are funded through contracts with Miami-Dade Public Schools and the Department of Health.

BEST WAY TO HAVE A GREEN BABY
BRIAN LEWIS' DIAPER DUTY
6908 W. Cypress Road, Plantation
954-242-0442
www.diaper-duty.com
Most environmentally-conscious parents are aware of the benefits of using cloth diapers but are wary of the time investment involved in washing them. Brian Lewis, a veteran of environmental and conservation work in Broward County, wants to alleviate your fears by picking up your dirty duds in his Toyota Prius, washing them in energy-efficient machines with solar-heated water and biodegradable suds, leaving you with a fresh, chemical-free, landfill-saving alternative. Check out his new retail store, opened in June, where you can inspect the process and take part in holistic parenting classes and workshops.

BEST WAY TO DECORATE GREENLY
NATURE'S PAINT STORE
3455 NE 12th Terrace, Suite 4, Oakland Park
954-303-5635
Fueled by a desire to stop polluting both the Earth and her home with toxic paint run-off and fumes, Victoria Rogers not only spread the word about Bio Shield paints but last year decided to open up a store and sell it herself. The thick, fragrant (think lavender, cucumber) paint is made from rocks, minerals, clay and plant-based materials, is free of VOCs and is stored in No. 2 recyclable containers. The shop also offers all the painting essentials such as brushes, rollers and pans, as well as penetrating wood sealers and stains, floor waxes and cork flooring.

BEST SAFETY INSPECTIONS
HSM CONSULTING
P.O. Box 814722, Hollywood
954-445-8143,
www.hmsconsulting.net
While Harvey Meshel spends most of his days CSI-style investigating possible arson cases, performing forensic lock examinations and analyzing black box data, he also can execute a solid installation of child safety seats in the family minivan. Prevention is key when it comes to accidents (and unfortunately, crime). Childproofing, first aid, AED and CPR training, background checks, fingerprinting, on-site drug testing and video surveillance are just a few of the services HSM Consultants provides to assure that your family is ready for anything. Except dating.

BEST MOBILE VETERINARIAN
ERIC C. SCHNIRMAN, DVM
Mobile Veterinary Service of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach
561-493-1503
Some people claim animals instinctively know when it's time to visit the vet (hiding under the bed on shot day is generally a fair clue). Dr. Eric Schnirman, a vet who makes house calls, can perform most routine procedures, such as checkups and vaccinations, in your own home, easing anxiety for pet and owner alike. The traveling vet performs more-involved procedures such as X-rays, ultrasounds and surgeries at El Cid Veterinary Clinic. Services are billed according to what is provided and can be paid by cash, check or credit card.

BEST RELATIONSHIP CLASSES
PAIRS FOUNDATION
Weston, 866-388-5683
www.pairs.com
For 25 years, Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills classes have offered couples the tools needed to navigate the sometimes bumpy road that leads to marital bliss. The nine- to 18-hour courses are taught in community centers, places of worship, schools and various agencies throughout South Florida. PAIRS also offers an array of nonmarital relationship skills training for faith-based groups, children and teens, victims of domestic violence and more. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which means that, currently, PAIRS classes are free.

BEST RESOURCE LIBRARY
FAMILY CENTRAL
Broward County Resource Library, 954-724-4051; Palm Beach County Resource Library, 561-653-2400
www.familycentral.org
In addition to the traditional media available to patrons, such as books, magazines and videos, the resource libraries offer learning-theme boxes for parents and teachers. With themes such as "Sea Life," "Families," "All About Me," and "Rain Forest," the boxes include a book, puppets and various props, as well as related crafting materials. The boxes can be checked out of the library for two weeks or renewed for longer, just like any other library material. The resource libraries also offer story times in English and in Spanish, puzzles, toys and arts and crafts.

BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER WITH YOUR KIDS
SAND SIFTERS: BEACH CLEAN UP
9268 Cove Point Circle, Boynton Beach
561-734-9128
www.sandsifters.org
On the first Saturday of each month from 8 to 10:30 a.m., this enthusiastic volunteer organization meets at one of three local "adopted" beaches and scours the shores for litter. Just check the Web site schedule or call to discover where the group will be meeting. Sand Sifters will provide free parking, garbage bags, gloves, litter grabbers and T-shirts. Groups from businesses, schools and churches also are encouraged to participate. Community-service hours are available, as well as educational tours on subjects such as sea turtle nesting.

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