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If they haven’t already, parents are making decisions about what to do with their youngsters during the summer months. Parents have many options, and LSU AgCenter child care associates can guide decisions by offering tips and advice on where to search and what to look for in quality child care and summer camp programs.
Summer of Possibilities
Summer day camps are popular with many families in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter child care associate Cheri Gioe says city recreational departments and non-profit organizations offer programs open to school-aged children. Youngsters can participate in organized activities such as a sports and swimming or arts and crafts. Many of these camps are offered on a week-by-week basis, but children can attend throughout the summer.
“Those are all day, every day kind of options,” Gioe said.
Parents looking for more focused activities can send their children to specialty camps such as art camp or zoo camp hosted by museums and zoos across the state.
LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Camp is another great option for fourth through sixth graders. The theme for this year’s camp is “Live It Now. Remember It Forever.” Youngsters attending the sleep-away camp in Pollock will have the opportunity to take part in many diverse and fun activities.
Specialty camps, which are sometimes offered for only a couple of weeks, may not solve a parent’s dilemma of what to do with their child during the entire summer.
Gioe said Web searches and local parent magazines can help parents discover other opportunities for summer fun.
Putting your child in a child care program for the summer is another option.
“Child care programs often will have a summer camp program and take older children for the summer,” Gioe said.
A final option is hiring someone to watch your children in your home. Gioe said check at colleges or universities for students who might be interested in watching children during their summer break. Talk to them about what kind of activities they think would be good activities during the day.
“Before you have them come into your home for the summer, have them come into your home for a shorter time while you are there,” Gioe said. “That way the children can get to know them, and you can see how they interact with the children.”
Before Signing Up
Parents should be well-informed about policies and procedures before signing up for a summer camp. Summer camp programs are not required to have a license in Louisiana, so ask questions to make sure they meet your requirements.
“You definitely want to check the ratio. You wouldn’t want 35 children with one child care provider,” Gioe said.
Especially consider ratios for specific activities. It is important to have more adults present for a swimming activity than for a library time activity.
Louisiana’s summer heat can be cause for concern if campers will be spending a lot of time outdoors.
“Make sure they have a place for them to get out of the heat and that they provide opportunities for them to rest and eat and drink plenty of liquids” Gioe said.
If the camp will be transporting children, parents should ask for a detailed transportation policy.
Parents also should make sure the activities their children will be participating in are age-appropriate and find out how they mix children according to age group.
“I think it would be frightening for a 5-year-old to be partnered with a 12-year-old,” Gioe said.
Parents who meet requirements may be able to get financial assistance that would cover part of the cost of some summer program. The program would have to accept the child care assistance offered by the state to low-income families.
“The child care assistance program traditionally assists parents in paying for the child care they need to work, seek employment or attend school or training,” Gioe said.
Following these guidelines and asking the right questions will put youngsters on the right track to a safe and fun summer.
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.