With the end of the school year fast approaching, many working parents are considering their summer childcare options. Whether you are seeking full or part-time care, many childcare programs not only offer terrific activities on site, they also offer field trips and transportation to outside activities.
When it’s time to choose summer care for your school-age child, there are many factors to consider. “At the top of the list should be the desire to find a program that matches your child’s needs and interests,” says Stacy Miller, Vice President of External Relations at the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC). “With a little planning and thought, you and your child can experience a summer filled with fun and developmentally appropriate activities.”
CCRC has been helping parents find childcare for more than 30 years and provides advice on early education program options. Childcare referral specialists answer questions and educate parents on how to identify and choose a quality child care environment. CCRC helps parents explore, locate and select from a wide variety of childcare options during office hours or any time of the day or night through its online childcare referrals database of licensed childcare providers at www.ccrcla.org .
As you begin your search for summer care, explore all types of care options – family childcare homes, licensed child care facilities, day or overnight camps, community and school district programs, etc. Use this simple checklist to help identify the program that will ensure your child has a fun and productive summer!
• What are your child’s favorite activities, hobbies or interests?
• What subjects do they enjoy most in school?
• Where will your child’s friends attend summer care?
• What summer care environment would be most conducive for their personality (i.e., small group, lots of activities, sports)?
• What previous summer care program experiences did the child enjoy most?
When visiting various child care centers, family child care homes or summer care programs, look for:
• Caring staff that engages the children with age appropriate activities in a safe environment.
• A program with individual child choices that encourage the child’s self-esteem and development.
• A staff who respects and communicates well with the children, families and other staff.
The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) has been assisting parents, childcare providers, employers, and local communities in all matters related to early care and education since 1976. Our mission is to promote optimal child development and family well being through access to quality childcare, family support, economic development and community education.
For more information on childcare options, contact CCRC’s Resource & Referral department at 818-717-1000.