Summer Camp Planning

Summer camp should be fun! But it’s also important that summer camps be a safe place for children to play and learn. Be a wise consumer in selecting the right camp experience for your child.

This year Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is partnering with Quality Care for Children (QCC) to help parents find summer camps and child care programs for the summer. Parents can verify their camps by visiting www.qualityrated.org to see if it is either licensed or exempt from licensing.

If parents prefer, they can speak with a summer camp referral specialist by calling 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with early hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday/Wednesday and extended hours until 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday/Thursday.

QCC encourages parents to consider the following questions when selecting a summer camp or child care program:

Is the program licensed, Quality Rated, or accredited? If not, has the program been granted an exemption by DECAL?
Has the owner/operator screened all staff, with what methods, and how thoroughly?
What are the hours of operation, fees, and payment procedures?
Are parents/guardians welcome to visit at all times?
Is there a daily lesson plan?
What are the program’s health, safety, and nutrition policies and procedures?
Does the staff/child ratio and group size fit into the Georgia maximum staff-to-child ratio?
Is the staff well-trained? Do they have experience with early childhood/school-age care or children with special needs? What about CPR and First Aid training, or appropriate licensing for transporting children?