
Choosing a summer program that meets the needs of your family and helps develop your child can be a frustrating task. There are many providers to choose from, and their programs vary in length, price, and activities. Large providers often allow lower prices and their activities may seem to appeal to children more than those offered by smaller centers. However, there are many reasons that choosing a smaller provider, like Playcare, might be the best choice for your child. A few of the reasons we feel a smaller program is the better choice are:
These are just some of the benefits that smaller programs offer over the larger programs. Its up to you to weigh the pros and cons of larger versus smaller and choose the best option for your family. The staff of Playcare will be happy to answer any question you may have while trying to make this important decision.
- Communication: The number one reason a smaller provider is a better choice is communication. Communication between staff, parents, and children is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a summer program. We excel in this area by providing parents with daily reports, newsletters that keep parents up to date with the weeks schedule and frequent social media updates. We also have an open door policy; you are welcome to come by , observe, and interact with your child anytime.
- Engagement of Brains: Summer break can lead to learning loss in students. Due to our smaller class size, we are able to place more emphasis on learning activities than larger programs while still providing the fun activities kids desire. Our schedule includes daily reading time, creative arts and crafts, writing exercises, fun presentations, and more.
- Longer Hours of Operations: Small programs often offer longer hours than bigger programs and traditional day camps. In order to better serve our families, Playcare is open from 6 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday.
- Activity Choice: Children having a choice in their daily activities is often overlooked. Large programs have an impressive schedule of activities and field trips, that children have no choice but to participate in. This is one of the biggest complaints we hear as parents look for another program for their children mid-summer. Your child may not like some of the activities scheduled, but may have no choice but to participate or sit on the sidelines. Our smaller size, and teacher-student ratios, allows children more of a choice in their daily activities.
- Age Range and Siblings: Most of the larger programs only serve school age children. If you have both school age and preschool aged children a smaller center may allow you to keep both children in the same facility. We accept, and have programs for, children from three to twelve years old.
These are just some of the benefits that smaller programs offer over the larger programs. Its up to you to weigh the pros and cons of larger versus smaller and choose the best option for your family. The staff of Playcare will be happy to answer any question you may have while trying to make this important decision.