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It is
important to find a summer program that focuses on your child's interests,
needs, and development. Remember to include your child in the
decision-making process. Discuss her favorite activities and hobbies.
Together, make a list of questions to ask and things to look for when
visiting programs. Listed below are some tips to help you with your
search.
What are the program's health, safety, and nutrition policies and
procedures?
Ask about the sign-in/sign-out policies, medication policy, discipline
policy, lifeguard certification/water safety policy, field trip and
transportation policies, handling of sick children, and missing children
policy. Ask if the program follows any established nutritional guidelines.
Ask if their policies are in writing and if their facility meets local and
state legal requirements.
Is the staff screened?
Has the owner/ operator/ director of the program been fingerprinted
through the FBI as required by law? Has the camp, although not required by
law, conducted a check of local law enforcement records or a statewide
criminal correspondence check through the Georgia Department of Law
Enforcement for all staff? What additional screening methods does the
program employ?
What is the staff-to-child ratio and group size of the program?
Georgia's maximum staff-to-child ratio for school-age care is 1 to 25.
National quality standards recommend between 1 to 18 and 1 to 15 for age 5
to teens, and group sizes no larger than 30.
Is staff well-trained?
Ask about staff experience and education in early childhood/ school-age
care, recreation, serving children with special needs, CPR/First Aid/Lifeguarding,
and if appropriately licensed when transporting children.
Is the program licensed or accredited?
Summer programs are not required to be licensed or accredited. Licensure
and accreditation ensure that basic health and safety standards are met.
Accreditation often requires additional quality standards.
Are parents welcome to visit anytime? Are family activities offered?
Programs should be accessible and welcoming to parents and families at all
times.
Is there a daily lesson plan?
Ask to review a typical lesson plan. Quality programs provide more than
continuous free play. Plans should be consistent with the philosophy of
the program and should include indoor, outdoor, quiet, active,
staff-planned, child-initiated, and free choice activities.
Is the facility adequate for the number of children enrolled?
Is there enough room for all program activities? Outdoor programs should
include indoor or sheltered areas for resting, respite from the sun and
for bad weather days.
What are the hours of operation, fees, and payment procedures?
Do drop off and pick up hours and procedures ensure that your child is
receiving proper adult supervision? Are there fees for enrollment, special
activities, late payments, and late pickups?
This
article was reprinted with permission from Quality Care for Children.
For more information or referrals to summer camp programs, please contact
Quality Care for Children's Child Care Resource and Referral at
404.479.4240. To speak with a child care parent counselor in Central
Georgia, call 478.752.7800. You can search online for child care in Metro Atlanta by visiting their
web site at
www.qualitycareforchildren.org.
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If children live
with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
From Children
Learn What They Live, Dorothy Law Nolte |
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