Our child care programs, summer camp, and forest school are child-centered and inquiry based.
When my daughter was younger, summer always brought a mix of excitement and challenges. The days were longer, she was home, and I wanted to make the most of this time. Knowing I couldn’t be at home with her, meant finding a summer day camp that kept my child happy, safe, and engaged. To me, the choice was clear: I opted for a summer camp run by a licensed childcare provider.
Here’s why:
1. Peace of Mind: Safety and Standards Matter
My top priority is always my child’s safety, and camps operated by a licensed childcare provider are held to the highest standards. These programs are monitored, regulated, and required to meet strict guidelines around staff qualifications, safety protocols, and child-to-staff ratios (read more here: Child care rules in Ontario | ontario.ca). That means I felt secure knowing my child was supervised by trained professionals who have been vetted, trained in emergency procedures, and understand child development.
I also appreciated the transparency that comes with a licensed program: knowing their policies and knowing the childcare space prioritizes well-being.
2. Trained Educators Who Understand Kids
What sets licensed childcare providers apart is the quality of the staff. Many of these programs employ Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) Upper Canada Child Care – ECE/ECA Jobs: Essential Roles in Licensed Childcare or other qualified professionals who are specifically trained in how children learn, play, and grow. This expertise makes a huge difference.
When my child attended camp, I wanted more than just fun — I wanted experiences that were enriching and developmentally appropriate. Whether it’s engaging STEM activities, outdoor exploration, or creative arts, licensed programs offer structure and learning that align with a child’s natural curiosity and personal interests.
3. A Consistent, Organized Program
My kid thrived on routine and structure. Licensed childcare providers know how to create an environment where kids can have fun while feeling secure. They have well planned daily schedules, smooth transitions, and a balance between active play, downtime, and creative activities. This consistency helps children settle in quickly, build confidence, and make the most of their camp experience.
For working parents like me, a licensed program also offers reliability. These camps run on time, follow clear guidelines, and offer flexibility when it comes to drop-off and pick-up options. Knowing that everything will run like clockwork lets me focus on my day without worrying about logistics.
4. A Nurturing, Inclusive Environment
Summer day camps can be a great opportunity for kids to make new friends and build social skills, but licensed childcare professionals like those at Upper Canada Child Care (UCCC), are also trained to create positive, welcoming spaces where every child feels seen and supported. We prioritize inclusion, as you can read here: UCCC-Inclusion-Principles-2023-05-18-v1.0.pdf
Whether it’s addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding or fostering connections among kids of different abilities and backgrounds, these programs focus on building a community.
As a former educator, I saw firsthand how important it is for children to feel included and valued — and as a parent, I was happy to see my child come home with stories of friendship and teamwork.
5. It’s More Than Babysitting — It’s Meaningful Growth
While there are plenty of camps out there that offer activities to keep kids entertained, licensed childcare providers go above and beyond to create experiences that encourage personal growth. These programs focus on developing life skills like problem-solving, independence, and teamwork, while also promoting physical and emotional health.
I loved that my child had the opportunity to take risks on a climbing wall and go tree-top trekking. These were new activities that I might not personally choose to explore with her. She further developed a love of science through hands-on experiments and found her voice while putting on the camp talent show. Those experiences built confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment in my child that lasted far beyond the summer.
6. An Investment in Quality
Licensed programs may sometimes come at a slightly higher price point. But when I think about the value my child got from a safe, high-quality program, it was worth every penny. I was investing not just in childcare, but in my child’s happiness, learning, and growth.
Many licensed programs also administer fee subsidy for eligible families and may participate in CWELCC (funding for childcare programs for children under age 6). This makes quality summer camps accessible to more children.
A Summer Well-Spent!
In my view, summer should be a time of joy, exploration, and growth for kids. So, I recommend choosing a summer day camp run by a licensed childcare provider. It’s an opportunity to make lasting memories in a safe, nurturing, stimulating environment.
I think if you can pick up your child at the end of the day and hear excitement about what they did and who they played with, you’ll know you made the right choice.
It’s not just about filling the summer days — it’s about enriching them.
By Marjorie LePoidevin, Director Communications and Marketing