Tips For Parents on Choosing Quality Summer Programs

Top Seven Most Important Questions to Ask

1. What is the program's philosophy?
   • The philosophy should be suitable to the needs of you and your child(ren).
   
    
2. Do the program's activities address your child's interests and abilities?
   • Your child should have a variety of activities and resources that he/she may be interested in utilizing (ie: arts and crafts, science activities, outdoor/indoor sports, books, board games etc.).
   
    
3. Are t.v./movies/video games/computers monitored and limited?
   • All of these should be limited and age appropriate.
   • There should be other activities that your child may do in case that he/she may not want to take part during movie days.
   • Movies should be monitored for violence/language content.
   
    
4. Do they use positive behaviour management techniques?
   • The children should be spoken to positively when disciplined.
   • Consequences should be given to the child ahead of time.
   • Encouragement should be given to the children that are in a conflict situation to first try to work out their disagreement between them. Eventually adult intervention may be necessary.
   
    
5. What are the experiences and skills of the director and counsellors?
   • They should have some training or courses related to school age children.
   • They should have previous experience working with school age children.
   
    
6. What are the condition and safety of the facilities and equipment?
   • The equipment (climbing structure, sports equipment, furnishings etc.) should be age appropriate, and in good condition and safe for the use of school age children.
   
    
7. If your child has an accident or becomes ill while in care, does the counselor have a valid first aid certificate and/or medical training?
   • -Staff should carry a first aid kit, have first aid certification, and have access to a phone in case of an emergency.

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 ranges?
• Is there support for children with special needs?

Staff

• What is the ratio of counselors to campers?

Health/Safety

• Is attendance taken daily when then children arrive and depart?
• Are there extra staff or volunteers for the field trips?
• Are the children supervised at all times?
• Would the 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, clean, and supplied with toilet paper and soap?

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? (ie: registration fee, trips, transportation costs etc.)
• Are the children going to be transported by car, van or bus (or by another adult)? Do they have the required driver's licence and insurance?
• Are there receipts for income tax purposes?

For further information on child care in Peel, please call:
Information Peel
905-890-9432
In Caledon: 1-888-836-5550

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