Summer Care

It’s that time of the year again for parents to begin selecting summer care for their children.
There are many factors to consider as parents aim to provide a safe, fun and quality place for
their children. Parents should take the time to learn about each summer care program they are
considering. Many options exist such as school-based programs, parks and recreation, boys and
girls clubs, the YMCA, the YWCA, family child care homes, child care centers, specialty camps,
and other youth serving agencies, etc.


Also, these same factors should be considered when selecting quality child care for your child,
not just during the summer months.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a quality summer child care program:

  • Has the owner/director/employees/volunteers been fingerprinted as required by law?

  • What additional screening methods does the program use?

  • Does staff receive annual training on how to report, recognize and respond to child
    abuse and neglect?

  • Does the organization have written child protection policies in place? Has staff been
    trained on these policies?

  • What is the staff/child ratio and group size of the program?

  • Ask about staff experience and education in early childhood/school-age care, serving
    children with special needs, CPR/First Aid/Lifeguarding and if appropriately licensed
    when transporting children.

  • Is the program licensed or accredited? Accreditation requires additional quality
    standards.

  • Are parents welcome to visit at all times? Are family activities offered? Are all program activities with children interruptible and observable?

Safety tips for savvy children:

  • Tell your parent or another trusted adult if someone touches you inappropriately or has inappropriate conversations with you. Report any inappropriate behavior immediately.
     Your NO means NO

  •  Adults should ask other adults for help and not children

  • Don’t share your personal information unless your parents give you permission

Safety tips for savvy parents:

  • Praise your child

  • Don’t force your child to hug or kiss adults against their wishes

  • Talk to your child about the value and privacy of his/her body

  • Be careful who you allow in your child’s life

  • Keep the lines of communication open with your child

  • Practice “what-if” games with your child (problem solving)

  • Stay involved in your child’s life

  • Have safety books in your home for your child to read

  • Teach your children the proper names for private body parts

  • Monitor your child’s use of technology

  • Watch out for grooming behaviors, i.e. an adult singles out your child with gifts, money, special privileges

  • Do not allow your child to be in one adult, one child situations and no one-older
    child/one-younger child situations
     Stay alert!!

  • Resource for Parents:
    Great Start Georgia (connects families to parenting resources and community services)
    GreatStartGeorgia.org
    1-855-707-8277 (toll free)

Did you know? More than 80% of child sexual abuse incidents occur when children are in
isolated, one-on-one situations with adults or other youth.

In His service,
Virginia


Please feel free to contact Virginia for further information at vbconsulting@bellsouth.net

SEPTEMBER 7, 2018


Virginia Baker-Jeffcoat