Child Care in the Summer

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When school is in session, your children are cared for throughout the day. You can go to work, look for jobs and receive training without having to worry about their well-being. You might even rely on afterschool programs to continue caring for your children until you’re available. But after ten months of reliable care and supervision, summer arrives.

School’s out! Now what?

Avoid the Summer Slide

The lack of education and engagement found at school can lead to what is called the “summer slide.” The break in education and routine makes it difficult for students to pick up where they left off.

Child Care Administration

The Department of Economic Security (DES) Child Care Administration (CCA) can assist eligible families with child care costs.

Child Care Resource & Referral

 With the help of Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), you can find certified child care providers to care for your children.

What else is out there?

Summer Camps, Programs and More.

Parks and Recreation

Most cities have a parks and recreation department that hosts summer programs. City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation, for examples, has over a dozen community and youth centers where kids can participate in program Monday through Friday for as long as ten weeks. Although many of these programs come at a price, there are several free options throughout the city. Visit the parks and recreation department in your city to see what programs are available for your child.

Summer Camps

From sports to arts and robotics, countless summer camps are available to keep your children engaged this summer. Publications like the Bear Essentials News Summer Camp Edition, Raising Arizona Kids Summer Camp Resources and the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence all have online search tools to help you find the right camp for your child. Many of these camps have scholarships available.

Community Centers

Community centers and organizations have their own programs available. Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Arizona have summer day programs at most of their locations. The Arizona YMCA has various camps available in the cool mountains of Prescott. Rates and fees vary among programs and locations, but several have discounts for members and financial aid and scholarships available.

Child Care Checklist

Child Care Resource & Referral suggests that you keep the following questions in mind while searching for child care providers:

Do you feel comfortable leaving your child here?

Will your child be happy?

Is there willingness for you to participate?

Can you make unannounced visits to the child care program?

Is it safe and clean both indoors and outdoors?

Is drinking water available and within the child's reach?

Have there been any substantiated complaints?

What do the children do all day long?

How are behavior issues handled?

Are nutritious meals and snacks provided?

Is there enough staff?

For more, visit ArizonaChildCare.org