3 simple steps to choosing a quality summer program for your school-age child
If you have a school-age child, finding summer child care can be a real challenge. But you can follow these three simple steps to help you choose a program that’s best for your family. It will mean a summer full of fun and learning for your child—and peace of mind for you.
Step 1: Call Child Care Info Peel, 905-890-9432 or 1-888-836-5550
Child care experts who staff the phone lines will give you specific information about summer camps and other providers of summer child care available in your neighbourhood. The staff provide maps by fax or mail showing the locations of programs. They can also answer your questions and give you more information about how to choose the program that’s right for your family.
Ideally, it’s a good idea to call the info line in April or May—that will give you enough time to investigate potential programs and make your decision before the program fills up. However, even during the summer, the info line keeps a list of programs that still have spaces available, should you need to make last-minute arrangements.
Step 2: Check out the program
Schedule an appointment to meet with the program director or to speak over the phone, so that you can get more information about the program. If possible, visit the program or the facility in which it will be held. The more information you have, the better you will be able to decide if this program is a good "fit" for your child and your family.
When checking out the program, here are the seven most important things to look for:
The philosophy of the program—it should be suitable to the needs of you and your child.
Program activities that coincide with your child’s interests and abilities—there should be a variety of activities and resources for your child to choose from; for example, arts and crafts, science activities, indoor and outdoor sports, books and board games.
Experienced and skilled staff—the program director and counsellors should have training and previous experience in working with school-aged children.
Safe and stimulating surroundings—The facility and equipment such as climbing structures, sports gear and furnishings should be age-appropriate, in good condition and safe for school-age children.
A positive approach to behaviour management—Staff talk to the children ahead of time about consequences of inappropriate behaviour, they encourage the children to use conflict resolution skills, and they speak positively to the children when discipline is necessary.
Appropriate use of videos and computers—The use of TV, videos, video games and computers is age-appropriate and monitored for violence and language content. They are used in a limited way and are only one of the choices of activities for the children.
Emergency preparedness—Staff should carry a first aid kit, have first aid certification and have access to a phone at all times in case of emergencies.
Step 3: Ask questions!
When you are checking out summer programs, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions—it’s the best way to make sure you have all the information you need.
Here are some important questions to ask:
Program
- Does the program’s hours accommodate your family’s work schedule?
- Are parents encouraged to visit throughout the day, without prior notice?
- How is a misbehaving, crying or upset child managed?
- Are there separate activities for different age groups?
- Does the program offer a variety of activities and resources for children to choose from?
- Is there support for children with special needs?
Staff
- What is the ratio of staff to children?
- Does the staff have training and previous experience in working with school-age children?
- Does the staff have first aid training?
- Are there male and female counsellors?
Health and safety
- Is attendance taken daily when children arrive and depart?
- Are the children supervised at all times?
- Are there extra staff or volunteers for the field trips?
- Would children be walking long distances? (This may be a health concern for some children.)
- What food is provided? If your child has special dietary needs, can they meet these needs?
- Does the indoor space that the children occupy have air conditioning?
- Is there an emergency plan, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in place?
- Are hazardous substances stored out of reach?
- Are the washrooms easily accessible?
- Are children going to be transported by car, van or bus? Do drivers have the required driver’s license and insurance?
- Is the facility and equipment in good condition?
- What is the policy for contacting parents in an emergency?
Cost
- What is the cost of the program and is there financial assistance available?
- Are there any other costs not included in the weekly fee—for example, registration fee, trips, transportation costs?
- Are there receipts for income tax purposes?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Child Care Info Peel is a project of Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP), formerly called the Peel Child Care Committee. Child Care Info Peel has helped over 23,000 callers with information about choosing child care for children from birth to 12 years. CDRCP also operates Coordinated Info Peel which provides information on services in Peel Region for children, families, and people with developmental disabilities.
