Spring May Have Just Sprung but It’s Time to Schedule Your Summer Child Care and Camps!
Like many parents, you know that summer is right around the corner and you may already be feeling the pressure to have your summer child care and camps planned. Don’t let the stress make you procrastinate more! With our tried-and-true tips, we can help you find high-quality and safe summer experiences your children will love.
Step One: ALWAYS START EARLY. While some moms and dads may have the jump on you and have had their summer child care figured out by February, plenty of parents are just beginning. Where ever you are in the process, Georgia still has many camps and child care programs available. And, with our help, you’ll soon be done too!
Step Two: Make a list of your family’s child care needs and wants. Start with the important information first: What days/weeks during the summer do you need care? What hours do you require coverage? What is your weekly budget? Do you need help with transportation or carpooling? Would your child have more fun gardening, playing sports or making art?
Step Three: Call Quality Care for Children’s (QCC) child care search experts at 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (1-877-255-4254) for help. They are available Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
QCC’s referral specialists will help you identify possible providers based on your needs, such as the location of your work or home, budget, and more. You can also create your own list of possible providers by performing a child care search online at QualityRated.org.
Step Four: Narrow down the possibilities by making calls and asking questions. After you have a list of possible providers, it’s important that you call each one to check that details listed on QualityRated.org or their website have not changed. In this first call, confirm details such as availability, hours, fees, if they provide scholarships or discounts for multiple children, and how to register. Also, ask if you can visit the program before signing up your child.
To help you organize the information for each care provider, download our free 2023 Summer Camp Scheduler.
Step Five: Visit the program site to meet the director and staff, tour the location, and see if the children in their care look cared for, engaged and happy. If you can’t visit, schedule time for a call with the director to ask ALL the questions.
Here are some questions to get you started!
Is the program licensed 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 training and education requirements for all staff?
Are parents/guardians welcome to visit at all times?
Is there a daily activity plan?
What are the program’s health, safety, and nutrition policies and procedures?
What is the policy for sick children and emergencies?
What are the provider’s procedures for field trips?
How do they communicate with parents during the week and for emergencies?
Here are more questions, provided by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and Quality Care for Children, for use when talking with potential summer child care and camp program directors.
Don’t get caught in the summer child care scramble. Get started now and follow our tips!
