I live in a small community that is limited to the programs available to the kids in the area. I basically had two choices. The YMCA and the program that the school district offered.

Because my daughter went to the Latchkey program for after school, the teachers and staff members know my daughter. I felt it was best to leave her in care of people she knew, who knew her and her little problems.

The program they have set up is wonderful. They have arts and crafts on Mondays, bowling on Tuesdays, swimming and a special visit from someone in the community (fire department, a local baseball team, etc) on Wednesdays, library time on Thursdays and roller skating on Fridays. They also have reading time, coloring, games, etc to fill in the rest of the day. They also have a quiet time, where the kids are laid down, get to watch an approved kids movie. They get to play outside when the weather cooperates.

I couldn't have found a better program for my daughter. This is her first summer program. She thrives on a structured environment and she is learning to be around other kids, share and be a good person.

Look for programs that give the kids a structured environment, that allow the kids to do a number of different activities both in and out of the building. Are the caregivers certified (in our case, they are all teachers)? Is the room that they are in set up for different ages together or are the younger kids separated from the older kids? Is the area clean and safe? If you are satisfied with everything you see and hear, then let the child attend one day and see if they are comfortable. If they aren't happy then find a different program that your child is going to be comfortable. Make sure that there aren't separation issues involved first. If this is the first time your child has been away from you for an extended amount of time, then take that into consideration as well.

Check with your local school district and see what, if anything they offer. It sometimes is a little more expensive, but with the activities that they try to plan, it can be worth it. At least you may know that they are safe.

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