Summer’s in sight: 5 things to consider as you choose school-age care

This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.

The school year might be only about half over, but it’s not too soon to start planning for summer – especially when it comes to caring for your kids.

“We know our programs are going to fill up quickly, and we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to sign up,” said Derrick Spader, who serves as the school-age care manager at EmBe.

“We’ll be ready for as many as we can.”

Here are five things to keep in mind as you make your care choice for summer.

Seven locations are waiting

Parents of kids in elementary school will find seven EmBe locations as summer care options. EmBe holds its summer school-age program at its EmBe South location at 3510 W. Ralph Rogers Road, as well as at four elementary schools within the Harrisburg School District: Endeavor, Freedom, Horizon and Liberty.

And, new this summer, EmBe will add locations at John Harris Elementary and Sonya Sotomayor Elementary in Sioux Falls.

“What’s important to remember is your student does not have to be enrolled at any of these schools to attend summer care there,” Spader said.

“It’s an open-enrollment model. So if there’s a location that convenient to a parent’s work or sibling’s activities, you can opt for that. Our South location is close to the interstate, so it’s accessible from anywhere in town.”

Kids also enroll from the Sioux Falls metro communities, so your child likely will make new friends from Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea or even beyond in addition to Sioux Falls.

The day is enrichment-based

“I really emphasize to parents that this is so much more than a day care or a place for your kids to be when you’re at work,” Spader said. “We’ve honed our focus on curriculum and offer a more structured day with guided activities and staff trained to provide enrichment.”

There’s “a huge transition” that happens during any given school year, and it’s important to find a program that intentionally not only curbs summertime learning loss but also builds upon what was learned in the past year.

“We want to keep their brains engaged, so there’s opportunity for reading, we do STEAM-based activities, we’re involved with First LEGO League and doing art projects and science activities,” Spader said.

“They’re going to be able to take advantage of the outstanding team we’ve put together in addition to the various specialized programs EmBe offers.”

There’s plenty of time for fun

It is summer, after all, so EmBe’s program includes its share of time to get outside and visit area attractions.

“Our days include lots of gym time with organized games and playground time for the kids to have free play,” Spader said. “Plus, there’s swimming twice per week and field trips at least once a week.”

Field trips include everything from lunch and play at a city park to destinations like Stensland Family Farms and the Washington Pavilion.

The best endorsement: Many students return every summer

The EmBe summer care programs might last only a few months, but the relationships built there are strong ones.

“When they go back to school, it’s a little bittersweet, but we just say ‘see you later’ for the school year,” Spader said. “They form strong bonds with the kids in the program, as well as the staff, and it’s a cool thing to see.”

It’s designed for affordability

EmBe’s school-age summer care is $200 per week, which includes two meals and a snack each day, field trips and swimming.

“We also have some availability for scholarships, so don’t let finances dictate your decision,” Spader said. “With the programs and content we offer, our goal is to deliver a lot of value.”

Ready to learn more and enroll? Click here to get started. 

Now hiring

Looking for a rewarding and career-enhancing summer job? EmBe is hiring for its school-age care program.

“We really enjoy working with high school students, college students back for the summer and people who have made child care a career choice,” Spader said.

“We offer a child care discount for full-time employees, and I’ve had early childhood development majors and high school students interested in teaching work with us. It’s a great way to get experience working with elementary school kids and delivering content to them.”

To apply, click here.