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Give your preschool child a head start for school.

Let's get together and have a car wash. Organize a car wash for your kids with other children from the neighborhood, a church group, or other organization. They can make a little money for their group, get a little dirty, and have a lot of fun.

First, you will need to decide on the price, date and location. Make your price high enough to make it worth your while, but not too high. (Some groups simply ask for a donation.)

You will want nice warm temperatures, so pick a day in late spring or summer. The weekends will probably be best for other parents. As for the location, check with local businesses to see if your group can use their parking lot.

Next, your children will need to advertise the event. Have them create colorful, large print posters stating who, what, when, where, and how much. Place the posters on telephone poles and in shop windows (if they will allow you).

Now, you need to get your supplies together. Have each parent donate some sponges, soap, wax, or a hose. Make sure you have enough to wash a lot of cars.

Finally it is time to have the car wash. Make a schedule to rotate all the jobs. That way each child will be able to experience a little bit of everything. You will need two children holding a sign out near the road to help get some business. One child can use the hose. A few kids can be the washers, waxers, and have a few more drying the cars with towels. Remind the kids that people are paying, so be sure to do a good job. (An adult will have to keep an eye on the quality of the work.) You will also need to put someone in charge of the money.

Having a car wash is a great way to help teach your child to work for something they want. He or she will also learn what is involved with organizing a fundraiser. Your kids will find that hard work can be fun and rewarding.