The search for the right child care can feel like a full-time job. You’re not just looking for a place to drop your child off; you’re looking for a community of caring educators, a safe environment, and a philosophy that aligns with your family’s values. When you need to find a summer day care, the process can feel even more rushed and overwhelming. Where do you even begin? This article is designed to be your roadmap. We’ll walk you through every step, from understanding licensing and accreditation to knowing the key questions to ask on a tour, helping you find a program that feels like the perfect fit.
Summer break will be upon us and with it changing day care needs can arise. If you need a summer day care solution, turn to Strong Start Early Care and Education for help! With little ones, in the years before they are in elementary school, their schedule may not change much, but yours may because of demands of older children, vacation and well, just life.
Peace of Mind for Working Parents
When summer arrives, the shift in schedules can create a real challenge for working parents trying to balance professional responsibilities with family life. Finding reliable, high-quality care becomes a top priority. Summer programs offer a fantastic solution, providing a safe and engaging environment where your child can thrive while you’re at work. According to Childcare.gov, these programs provide fun learning and activities for children during school breaks, offering the flexibility that working families need. This consistency is crucial, as it allows you to focus on your workday with the confidence that your child is not just supervised, but is also happy, safe, and actively learning. Knowing your child is in a place that prioritizes their well-being provides invaluable peace of mind, which is why we place such a strong emphasis on our comprehensive health and safety protocols.
Types of Summer Programs and What They Offer
Once you’ve decided that a summer program is the right choice for your family, the next step is to explore the different types available. Not all programs are created equal, and the best fit will depend on your child’s age, personality, and your family’s educational values. Some programs operate exclusively during the summer, while others, like ours, offer year-round care that provides a seamless transition and a consistent routine for your child. This can be especially comforting for younger children in our infant and toddler classrooms, who benefit greatly from familiar faces and environments.
As you research your options, you’ll find a wide spectrum of program styles and daily activities. Daycare centers typically provide a variety of services, including playtime, meals, and structured learning opportunities designed to help children grow. For older children in preschool, programs may offer more specialized activities that cater to their expanding interests and prepare them for the next step in their educational journey. The key is to find a program that feels like a true partner in your child’s development, offering a supportive and stimulating setting where they can spend their summer days.
Exploring Different Program Styles
Diving deeper into summer programs, you’ll likely encounter two main educational philosophies: play-based and academic-focused. Each approach has its own unique benefits, and many of the best programs find a way to blend elements of both. Understanding these styles can help you identify a program that aligns with how your child learns best. A purely academic program might focus heavily on structured lessons, while a play-based one will prioritize child-led discovery. At Strong Start, we believe that learning should be joyful and meaningful, which is why we’ve crafted a curriculum that integrates both purposeful play and foundational skill-building. You can get a better sense of how we balance these elements by looking at what your child’s day with us might look like.
Play-Based vs. Academic-Focused Curriculums
A play-based curriculum is built on the idea that children learn best when they are actively engaged in activities that they find interesting. It’s a child-led approach that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and crucial social skills. Our curriculum is deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which views children as capable and curious learners. We use The Project Approach to allow children to explore topics that fascinate them, turning their questions into exciting, in-depth investigations. In contrast, an academic-focused curriculum is typically more structured and teacher-directed, with specific goals for skill development, like mastering letters and numbers. While both approaches aim to prepare children for school, a play-based or blended model often builds a stronger foundation of curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Common Activities: From Arts and Crafts to Sports
Beyond the educational philosophy, the daily activities are what make a summer program truly memorable for a child. Great programs offer a rich variety of experiences that keep kids moving, creating, and exploring. These activities can range from arts and crafts and music to sports and outdoor adventures. According to Rustic Pathways, day camps are a great way for kids to have fun and build skills during their break. We bring this idea to life through our specialized Enrichment Program, which is included in our tuition. Your child can look forward to staying active with Fit Kids, discovering new tastes with Budding Bakers & Little Cooks, expressing their creativity through Exploration Through The Arts, and engaging their minds with STEM Learning, ensuring every day is a new adventure.
Flex Care
- We offer a Flex care Schedule year round.
- We have an extended care program with early drop off times and late pick-up times.
- We offer half day and full days, from two to five days a week.
Enrichment Programs
- Summertime might mean a change in curriculum in some daycares but we run enrichment programs all year round.
- We do use summer themed project for the kids to learn during the summer.
- Our enrichment programs include Literacy Development, Second Language Skills, Yoga, and more.
The Benefits of Summer Programs for Children and Parents
Summer often brings a welcome change of pace, but it can also disrupt the routines that help our families run smoothly. For working parents, finding reliable, high-quality care that keeps children engaged and happy is a top priority. Summer programs offer a fantastic solution, providing much more than just a place for your child to spend their day. They are environments designed for exploration, learning, and fun, ensuring your child’s development continues even when school is out. This consistency is key for young children, helping them feel secure and ready to learn in a structured, yet playful, setting.
The greatest benefit is often the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is in a safe, nurturing place. When you can go to work confident that your little one is being cared for by trained, professional educators, it makes a world of difference. These programs provide the structure children thrive on, with a schedule of engaging activities that keep them active and curious. It’s a partnership that supports the whole family, allowing parents to manage their responsibilities while children get to experience a summer filled with discovery and new friendships. This balance helps everyone enjoy the season to its fullest.
Growth and Development for Your Child
A high-quality summer program is a wonderful setting for your child’s continued growth. Instead of losing momentum, children get to dive into new interests and build on the skills they’ve already learned in a fun, low-pressure atmosphere. The focus shifts to hands-on, play-based learning, which is perfect for the relaxed vibe of summer. Through themed projects and activities, children can explore topics that genuinely excite them, from gardening and art to science experiments. This approach keeps their minds sharp and their natural curiosity alive, making learning feel like an adventure rather than a task.
Building Social Skills and Independence
Summer programs also provide a unique opportunity for children to strengthen their social skills and grow their independence. Interacting with peers in a group setting helps them practice important life skills like sharing, taking turns, and communicating their needs and ideas effectively. They learn to work together on projects and navigate social situations with guidance from their teachers. Being in a supportive environment like our preschool classrooms encourages children to try new things on their own, which builds confidence and a sense of self-reliance. This gentle push toward independence is a crucial step in their development, preparing them for future experiences.
The Importance of Exposing Children to Many Things
- We know that the more topics a child is introduced to the wider their knowledge will grow.
- Background knowledge is essential in inquiry-based learning so we try to expose the children in our care to many things so they have something to hook their learning on, things to ask questions about.
- When a child knows things about many topics they feel confident in their intellectual abilities and this promotes further learning.
- We encourage physical, emotional and intellectual development and work on these things on a daily basis.
If you are interested in Strong Start Early Care and Education Day Care, call us to set up a tour of our facility.
Services and Support
Availability of Meals, Transportation, and Special Needs Support
When you’re looking for a summer program, it’s helpful to think about the day-to-day logistics that will make your family’s life easier. Many centers provide essential services like healthy meals and snacks, which can be a huge time-saver for busy parents. It’s always a good idea to ask for a sample menu to see if it aligns with your family’s nutritional values. While transportation is less common for day care centers, it’s worth asking about if you need it. More importantly, if your child has special needs, you’ll want to have a detailed conversation about how the program can provide support, including their experience, staff training, and any available resources to ensure your child can thrive in their environment.
Age Groups Served
Summer often brings a shift in schedules, especially for families with school-aged children who are suddenly out of school for the break. Many summer camps and programs are designed specifically for this older age group. However, for families with little ones, the need for consistent, high-quality care doesn’t change with the seasons. Year-round programs that serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers provide a stable and predictable environment that is crucial for early development. This consistency helps young children feel secure, even when the family’s broader schedule feels a bit chaotic with older siblings at home. At Strong Start, our infant and toddler classrooms offer that steady, nurturing care all year long.
How to Find and Choose a Quality Program
Where to Start Your Search
Using State Resources and Local Recommendations
Beginning the search for child care can feel overwhelming, but there are great resources available to help you get started. A reliable first step is to use your state’s online child care search tool, which you can often find through national portals like Childcare.gov. These databases list licensed providers in your area. Beyond official listings, some of the best information comes from your own community. Ask friends, neighbors, or colleagues for their recommendations. Local parenting groups on social media can also be a fantastic source of honest feedback and firsthand experiences, giving you a real-world perspective on the programs you’re considering.
Understanding Licensing and Accreditation
As you review your options, you’ll likely see the terms “licensed” and “accredited.” It’s important to understand the difference. Licensing is a mandatory requirement from the state that ensures a program meets basic health and safety standards. Every legitimate child care center must be licensed. Accreditation, on the other hand, is a voluntary process where a program goes above and beyond to meet much higher standards of quality. Organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) grant accreditation to centers that demonstrate excellence in curriculum, teacher qualifications, and family partnerships. Choosing an accredited program gives you confidence that you’re selecting a top-tier educational environment for your child.
Key Questions to Ask Potential Providers
Staff-to-Child Ratios and Safety Training
Once you have a shortlist of potential centers, it’s time to dig into the details, starting with safety. Ask about their staff-to-child ratios for your child’s age group; lower ratios mean more individual attention. Inquire about the background check process for all staff and volunteers. You should also confirm that educators are trained in CPR and first aid. A quality program will be transparent about its health and safety protocols, including procedures for illness, emergencies, and building security. Feeling confident in a center’s commitment to safety is the foundation of peace of mind for any parent.
Daily Schedules and Discipline Policies
Understanding a program’s daily rhythm and philosophy on guidance is key to finding the right fit. Ask for a copy of the daily schedule to see how they balance different activities, such as active play, quiet time, meals, and learning. Does the schedule seem age-appropriate and engaging? It’s also crucial to ask about their approach to discipline. Look for a program that uses positive guidance, redirection, and communication to teach children appropriate behavior rather than relying on punitive measures. The goal should be to help children develop self-regulation and problem-solving skills in a supportive and respectful way.
Meal Plans and Allergy Management
Nutrition is a vital part of a child’s development, so don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about food. Inquire if meals and snacks are provided, and if so, ask to see a typical weekly menu. Check if they serve nutritious, balanced options that introduce children to a variety of healthy foods. If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, this conversation is even more critical. Ask about their specific allergy management plan, including how they prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen and classroom, how staff are trained to recognize an allergic reaction, and what their emergency procedures are. A prepared and proactive approach is non-negotiable.
What to Look For During a Tour
Assessing the Cleanliness and Atmosphere
A tour is your chance to get a feel for a child care center beyond what you can read online. As you walk through, pay close attention to the environment. Does the space look clean, organized, and well-maintained? Look at the children. Do they seem happy, engaged, and comfortable with their teachers? Observe the interactions between educators and children. Are they warm, respectful, and attentive? The overall atmosphere should feel welcoming and cheerful. Trust your intuition—you want to walk away feeling that this is a place where your child would not only be safe but would also be happy and inspired to learn and play.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
Navigating Waitlists for Popular Programs
Finding the perfect child care program is exciting, but it’s important to know that high-quality centers are often in high demand and may have waitlists, especially for infant and toddler spots. Because of this, it’s wise to start your search several months before you need care to begin. This is particularly true if you’re looking for summer-specific programs, as spots can fill up quickly once registration opens. Getting on a waitlist early gives you the best chance of securing a spot at your top-choice center. Don’t be discouraged if you have to wait; it’s often a sign that you’ve found a program trusted and loved by many families in your community.
Understanding Summer Day Care Costs and Financial Assistance
Breaking Down the Average Costs
Typical Weekly and Monthly Rates
Budgeting for child care is a major consideration for most families. Costs can vary significantly based on your location, the type of program, and your child’s age, but it’s helpful to have a general idea of what to expect. On average, families can anticipate paying anywhere from $100 to $350 per week for center-based care. This translates to a monthly cost that often falls between $400 and $1,500. Infant care is typically the most expensive due to the need for lower staff-to-child ratios. As you research specific programs, be sure to ask for their complete tuition and fee schedule so you can accurately compare costs.
The 7% Affordability Guideline
As you work on your family budget, a helpful benchmark to keep in mind is the affordability guideline from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This guideline suggests that child care should cost no more than 7% of a family’s total income. For many families, the reality is that costs far exceed this percentage, which can create significant financial strain. Using this 7% figure as a reference point can help you assess what is truly affordable for your household and can guide your search toward programs and financial assistance options that align with your budget, ensuring that high-quality care remains within reach.
Budgeting for Additional Fees
Registration, Supplies, and Late Pickup Charges
When you receive a tuition quote, it’s important to ask what is included and what isn’t. Many centers have additional fees that you’ll want to factor into your budget to avoid any surprises down the road. It’s common for programs to charge a one-time registration fee when you enroll. You might also be asked to pay an annual supply fee to cover materials used in the classroom, like art supplies. Another common charge is a late pickup fee, so be sure you understand the policy and the cost per minute if you’re running behind. Asking about these potential extra costs upfront will give you a clearer picture of your total financial commitment.
Policies on Holiday Pay
One question that parents sometimes forget to ask is about the center’s policy on holiday pay. Most child care centers are closed for major federal holidays, and some may close for a week or two during the year for breaks or staff training. It’s standard practice for centers to require tuition payment for these closures to cover staff salaries and operating costs. Make sure you get a copy of the center’s annual calendar and understand their payment policy for holidays and other scheduled closings. This will help you plan your budget accordingly and arrange for backup care if needed for those days.
Ways to Make Child Care More Affordable
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits
Fortunately, there are several ways to help make the cost of child care more manageable. One of the most significant is the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. This is a federal tax credit that can help you offset a portion of your child care expenses. The amount of the credit depends on your income and how much you spent on care, allowing you to claim a percentage of up to $3,000 in expenses for one child or $6,000 for two or more children. Be sure to keep all your receipts and payment records, as you’ll need them when you file your taxes. It’s a valuable credit that can provide meaningful financial relief.
Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Another excellent tool for saving money is a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which may be offered by your employer. An FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck—up to $5,000 per year per household—to pay for qualifying child care expenses. Because the money is taken out before taxes, you lower your taxable income, which can save you a significant amount of money over the course of the year. If your employer offers this benefit, it’s a fantastic way to budget for child care costs while also enjoying a tax advantage. Check with your HR department to see if this is an option for you.
Sibling Discounts and Scholarships
If you have more than one child who will be attending the same program, always ask if they offer a sibling discount. Many centers provide a percentage off the tuition for the second or third child, which can add up to substantial savings over time. Additionally, some programs may have their own scholarship funds or offer financial assistance to families who qualify based on income. It never hurts to ask the center’s director if any such programs are available. Exploring all these options can help make a high-quality program more accessible for your family’s budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start looking for a summer day care program? It’s wise to begin your search much earlier than you might think, ideally in the late winter or early spring. High-quality programs, especially those with infant and toddler spots, often have waitlists. Starting early gives you plenty of time to research your options, schedule tours without feeling rushed, and secure a spot in a program that feels like the right fit for your family.
My child has never been in child care before. Is a summer program a good way to start? Absolutely. A summer program can be a wonderful, low-pressure introduction to a group care setting. The often more relaxed, play-focused atmosphere can make the transition easier for a first-timer. It’s a great opportunity for your child to build social skills, gain a little independence, and get comfortable with a school-like routine before the structure of a formal school year begins.
Will my child fall behind academically in a play-based summer program? This is a common concern, but you can rest assured that purposeful play is one of the most effective ways children learn. Instead of focusing on rote memorization, a quality play-based curriculum helps children develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They learn to collaborate on projects, ask questions, and explore their own interests, which builds a strong foundation and a genuine love for learning that is essential for future academic success.
What’s the single most important thing to look for during a tour? While cleanliness and safety are non-negotiable, the most telling factor is the quality of the interactions. Pay close attention to how the educators speak with the children. Do they sound respectful and engaged? Do they get down on the child’s level? Look at the children themselves—do they seem happy, comfortable, and busy? The overall feeling of warmth and positive relationships between staff and children will tell you more than any brochure ever could.
Our family’s schedule is unpredictable in the summer. How do I find a program that can accommodate that? Many centers understand that summer schedules can be chaotic for working families. When you are researching and touring programs, be direct and ask about flexible scheduling options. Some year-round centers offer part-time schedules, half-days, or allow you to choose a specific number of days per week. Finding a program that is willing to partner with you to meet your family’s unique needs can make all the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize the program’s philosophy: Beyond the schedule and location, ensure the center’s approach to learning—whether it’s play-based, academic, or a blend—truly fits your child’s personality and your family’s values.
- Verify quality and ask targeted questions: Start by confirming the program is licensed and, ideally, accredited. Then, go into your tour prepared with specific questions about safety protocols, staff-to-child ratios, and their approach to daily routines and discipline.
- Understand the full financial picture: Look past the base tuition and ask about all potential costs, including registration fees, supplies, and late pickup charges, while also exploring savings opportunities like tax credits and employer FSAs.
