Summer break brings a familiar scramble for families: school is out, but work isn’t. As parents search for child care centers to fill that gap, it’s tempting for programs to treat every child equally. The centers that get it right are the ones that stop thinking in terms of the group and start meeting the needs of each child according to their age.
Toddlers: Routine is Key
For toddlers, the world is still brand new, and consistency is everything. A predictable daily rhythm is key. Nap time, snack time, and story time, all happening at roughly the same point each day helps toddlers feel secure, especially if they’re adjusting to a new environment or a different set of caregivers than they’re used to at home.
At this age, learning happens through the senses: stacking blocks, splashing at a water table, or finger painting. Caregivers who get down on the floor, use a soft and steady voice, and respond quickly to a toddler’s cues build the trust that lets a toddler relax into the day instead of spending it anxious for a parent to return.
We spoke with Miram Acosta, who has been a child care provider for the past 8 years, and she says keeping a routine is the best solution.
“Having a mix of structured activities, free play, and outdoor time helped the days run smoothly and kept everyone engaged,” said Acosta.
Elementary Students: Make Time for Play
For kids just transitioning out of kindergarten or first grade, the biggest shift is pace. Summer can feel disorienting without some of the same rhythm of school bells, classrooms, and playtime.
“One of the biggest challenges was incorporating the school agers to our routine with the infants and toddlers. It always throws off the groove the first weeks because nap schedules are followed and having older kids who aren’t the quietest, was a challenge,” said Acosta
Kids around ages 8 to 10 are hungry for a bit more independence. They want choices — which activity to join, which friends to sit with, whether to build with blocks or head outside. Programs that thrive with this group offer rotating stations, science experiments, or art projects so kids can lean into their interests rather than being funneled into one activity for everyone.
“I added science projects, experiments, and STEM-focused materials, lots of worksheets. I also planned activities that helped reinforce what they had learned during the school year… We spent a lot of time reading chapter books as it would take them longer to get through.”
Listen to Parents
None of this works without real communication with families. Parents know their child’s quirks, anxieties, allergies, and interests better than anyone, and the best child care providers treat that knowledge as essential input.
“Being a child care provider is about helping a child as a whole and sometimes that includes lending an ear to a parent and I like that too,” said Acosta.
Some things to think about:
Asking, not assuming. A quick conversation at drop-off or a short intake questionnaire can reveal whether a child is anxious about new environments, has a specific interest to nurture, or needs extra support.
Flexible communication channels. Some parents want a quick text update, while others want a longer conversation at pickup. Meeting people where they are builds trust.
Real responsiveness. If a parent raises a concern about their child, that feedback should visibly shape what happens next, not just get acknowledged and forgotten.
Summer child care isn’t just about supervision until parents get off work. Done well, it’s a chance for kids of all ages to grow in ways that fit exactly where they are. It’s also a chance for parents to feel like true partners in that process, not just customers dropping off a schedule to fill.