5 Little Monkeys has a great point about the newsletters. The daycare my daughter attends has a montly newsletter and calender. Not only do I feel 'plugged' in to what my child is learning, but I also get reminders on items easily forgotten...like sunscreen refills.

Another option is to have a small bin or bag for each child. The parent is responsible for keeping stocked with extra cloths and other sundries. Dirty cloths are sent home at the end of each day.

Poor kiddo though. Sounds like dad is stretched thin, not plugged in, and the worst part....don't even notice and apologize.