Summer arrives with sunny afternoons and the revolving question that troubles many homes: who will take care of the children while the parents work? For many families, daycare and summer camps represent support, structure and peace of mind. But choosing the correct summer program requires much more than reviewing schedules and costs. The safety, staff competence and well-being of the children must be at the center of every decision. These are all factors that should play into how to choose a summer camp or day care for your child.
What type of camp or child care is age-appropriate?
Not all summer programs are designed for the same needs. The age, stage of development and functional diversity of the child should influence the decision.
Infants and toddlers (0 to 3 years)
Infants and toddlers need quiet environments, constant supervision and consistent routines. Look for facilities that:
- Maintain a low caregiver-to-child ratio
- Have clean, safe areas to sleep and play
- Have staff trained in first aid and child CPR
- Offer frequent communication with parents
- Have cameras that allow parents to remotely see their children
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)
At this stage, social and emotional learning is key. A good program should include:
- Structured Activities and Playtime
- Active supervision during outdoor activities
- Clear protocols for picking up and dropping off minors
- Patient staff trained in behavioral management
- Cameras that allow parents to remotely see their children
School-age children (6 years and older)
Programs for older children tend to focus more on recreational and educational activities. Consider whether the place of care:
- has safe and well-supervised excursions
- has protocols for swimming pools and sports activities
- offers age-appropriate activities
- maintains positive discipline and proper supervision
Children with functional diversity or special needs
Children with functional diversity also deserve safe and inclusive spaces that are equipped to support their needs and development during the summer. Whether you have a child with autism, ADHD, sensory needs, reduced mobility, developmental delays or other medical or emotional needs, it's important for parents to ask specific questions before selecting a daycare or camp.
Consider whether the program:
- has experience working with children with special needs
- has staff trained on reasonable accommodation or behavioral support, as needed
- is willing to adapt activities when needed
- has quiet areas for emotional or sensory regulation
- understands specific allergies, medications, or medical needs
Inclusion shouldn't just be a decorative word in a colorful brochure. A truly inclusive environment is one where every child is treated with dignity, patience and respect, and where parents feel confident that their children will be understood, not simply supervised.
What distinguishes a youth camp from a daycare center according to the state?
According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services' Youth Camp Program, a camp is a program that:
- Provides supervision, instruction, and recreation
- Provides services to at least 5 minors during each camp session
- Operates as a youth camp for no more than 120 days of each calendar year
- Serves children who are not physically with their parents or guardians at the time of service
- Operates as a youth camp for a period greater than or equal to four consecutive days
- Operates as a youth camp for four or more consecutive hours a day
- Operates as a youth camp only during school vacation periods
- Offers at least two specialized outdoor youth camp activities during each camping session such as: water activities, bow and arrow, horse riding, obstacle courses, riflery requiring specialized technical skills, equipment or safety regulations supervised by an adult at all times.
Some youth programs that have “Camp” in their title do not meet all of the criteria for a camp license under the state Youth Camp Program. However, some of those businesses qualify as a place of care and are registered in the state's daycare repository.
Daycare centers and summer camps have different regulations
In Texas, the Health and Human Services Department covers the regulation of both daycare centers and summer camps. Child care centers are regulated by the Child Care Regulation program. On the other hand, summer camps in Texas are mostly regulated by the Youth Camps program.
How to check if a daycare meets state requirements?
In Texas, daycares, child care centers, and youth camps must comply with certain state regulations. Before enrolling your child in a summer camp or daycare, there are several things you should check to check the safety and legitimacy of the place. Things to consider when evaluating a child care center include:
- Check to see if the child care center is licensed or registered with the state
- Check to see if the nursing home has had any permit suspensions or revocations or if your permits have ever been denied renewal.
- Check to see if daycare inspections are up to date.
- Meet the team that will care for your child and check to see if everyone has passed a criminal background check successfully.
If you are evaluating a youth camp:
- Check to see if the youth camp is licensed with the state
- Ask if all employees and volunteers have completed first aid certifications and Youth Protection Training
Signs that daycare centers and youth camps prioritize the well-being of their children
There are aspects of childcare that are not regulated by law but make an important difference for overall well-being. Visit the camp or daycare and see if the staff:
- interacts with patience and respect
- is attentive to minors, not distracted by conversations, mobile devices or chores
- greets recurring children by name
- responds calmly to conflicts or accidents
When you visit the camp or child care center, you can ask several questions to check the readiness of the place. Ask the staff who will have direct interaction with your children about their:
- Emergency Protocols
- Staff training to work with special ages and needs, as applicable
- Discipline policies for children or young people
- Use of screens and electronic devices and
- Allergy and medication procedures
How can I prepare my children for a new summer camp or daycare routine?
Every child processes changes differently, and changing environments over the summer can feel like landing on another planet for some kids. Transitioning into a new summer routine can be emotionally difficult. Depending on the child's age and needs, there are some strategies that can help smooth the transition to a new routine or camp.
How can I make the transition to daycare easier for my infant or toddler?
Familiarity and routine will be very important. To help your baby or toddler with their transition to a new day care center, you can:
- Introduce you to the new place and care staff little by little
- Maintain consistent routines for sleeping and eating
- Sending familiar objects such as a blanket or favorite toy
- Practice short separations before the first day
How can I prepare my preschoolers for the transition to daycare?
- Explain to them what will happen at the day care center or summer camp in simple words
- Read books about starting school or meeting new friends with them
- Let them choose their backpack or lunch box
- Listen and validate their emotions without embarrassing them for feeling fear or nervousness
How can I prepare my children ages 5-7 for the transition to child care or summer camp?
For many young children, camp can be their first experience away from their parents for extended periods of time. If you have children ages 5 to 7, you may want to consider preparing them for a new summer camp:
- Talking about the activities they will do to generate enthusiasm
- Showing them pictures of the camp or visiting the facilities
- Practicing camp-like routines before it starts
- Labeling your belongings with your name and phone
- Remind them who will pick them up and when they will return home
It's normal for some kids to feel anxious for the first few days. Keep a calm and positive attitude to help them feel more secure.
How can I prepare my 8-12 year olds for a new summer camp?
At this age, children tend to be more concerned about fitting in socially, making friends or feeling comfortable in new activities. Parents can help their school-age children prepare for the summer camp environment by:
- Discuss expectations of behavior and respect for themselves and other participants
- Encourage them to try new activities without pressuring them
- Practice basic independence skills like organizing their backpack or managing their belongings, talking about how to ask a leader or supervisor for help if they feel uncomfortable or have a problem
- Brush up on safety basics and notifying mom or dad of any issues
How can I prepare my teens for summer camp?
Teenagers often enjoy greater autonomy but it is still good to prepare them. To prepare your teens for summer camp, you can:
- Discuss expectations of behavior and respect for themselves and other participants
- Talking about safety in sports, water or outdoor activities
- Review together the camp's policies on cell phones, social media and communication with parents
- Encourage them to communicate any situation that makes them feel insecure or uncomfortable
Many teens appreciate the experience more when they participate in the selection and can give ideas for planning their participation.
How can I prepare my children with functional diversity for a summer camp?
Preparation ahead of time is essential for children and youth with autism, ADHD, sensory needs, communication challenges or other special needs. Parents with children who have special needs can help them prepare for a summer camp or new day care center by:
- Sharing important information with staff before the start
- Explaining routines and activities using visual aids
- Practicing routine changes at home, little by little
- Asking the staff if there are reasonable accommodations or accommodations available to meet your child's needs
- Identifying which staff member the child can go to if they need help
- Allowing them to bring a stuffed animal, toy or comfort object if the place allows it,
- Listening to their concerns without minimizing them
Maintain communication with your children
During the first few days of the new summer camp or day care center, ask your children how they are feeling, what activities they enjoyed and if there was anything they didn't like. Sometimes the most effective questions are the specific ones.
Signs of Child Neglect or Abuse at a Summer Camp or Day Care Center
Fathers and mothers know their children better than anyone. If something seems different, pay attention to your child. Some red flags of possible neglect or abuse at a summer camp or day care center are:
- Physical changes
- Emotional changes
- Repetitive irregularities
Physical changes in your child that could be indicative of neglect or abuse include:
- Unexplained bruising
- Constant poor hygiene
- Frequent cuts
- Dirty or inappropriate clothing
Emotional changes or behavioral changes in your child that could be signs of abuse or neglect include:
- Extreme fear of returning to camp or center
- Nightmares or anxiety
- Withdrawn behavior
- Sudden changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
Some signs that supervision at summer camp or daycare is poor could include:
- A child who is frequently dehydrated or excessively hungry
- Repetitive accidents
- Frequent loss of belongings
- Lack of information about incidents that occurred during the day
- The staff is not aware of incidents your child tells you about
What do I do if there was a problem at summer camp or daycare?
If there is a problem with your child's daycare or camping location, you can take action. For starters, if your child was in danger, consider removing him or her from the day care center or camp permanently. The actions you take after an incident at a summer camp or daycare will depend on the type of situation.
When a child care center or youth camp fails to provide promised services or puts your children in danger, you can file a complaint.
How do I file a general service complaint?
To file general complaints about a daycare or child care center's services, you can file a complaint in Spanish in the online reporting system. If you would like to speak with a licensed agent of the Child Care Provider Regulation program, you can visit or call their regional office.
To file general complaints about a youth camp service, you can submit a completed form to the regulatory agency or contact us by phone.
Consumer Safety and Environmental Complaint Form
Email: PHSCPS@dshs.texas.gov
Phone: (512) 834-6788
Fax: (512) 834-6726
Mailing Address:
Youth Camp Complaints
Environmental Operations Branch MC 2835
Texas Department of State Health Services
P. O. Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Should I report abuse, neglect, or exploitation that occurred at a youth camp in Texas?
Yes, anyone who has reason to suspect that a minor has been abused or neglected at a youth camp has a duty under the law to report it immediately. This includes volunteers, employees, and camp administration.
Where can I report a suspected abuse or neglect that occurred at a children's camp?
If you suspect that a child has been abused or neglected at a youth camp, you can report it to:
- Any local or state law enforcement agency such as the police station
- The Department of Family and Protective Services' Abuse Helpline by phone at 800-252-5400 or on their secure website http://www.txabusehotline.org/
- The Department of State Health Services' Youth Camps Program by phone at 512-834-6788 or by submitting the official report form. You can fax the abuse or neglect report form to 512-206-3792 or email PHSCPS@dshs.texas.gov.
It is important to know that if you initially submit the report of abuse or neglect to a law enforcement agency or the Department of the Family, you must additionally report it to the Department of State Health Services' Youth Camps Program.
What are the legal aspects of a summer camp incident?
From a legal perspective, it is important to remember that not every accident involves negligence, but not all incidents are simply ‘unavoidable' accidents. In a summer camp or day care center injury case, the law generally looks at whether they took reasonable steps to protect the minors in their care.
Scrapes, minor bumps, and occasional accidents can occur during recreational activities. However, when a child is seriously injured, parents may have questions about what occurred, whether the injury could have been prevented and what rights their families have.
When could negligence exist?
A summer camp could be considered negligent when an injury occurs as a result of a lack of reasonable care. Some examples may include:
- Insufficient supervision of minors
- Lack of maintenance of the facilities or equipment
- Not following established safety protocols
- Allowing activities that are not appropriate for the age or ability of the participants
- Failure to provide adequately trained personnel for certain activities
- Ignoring medical conditions, allergies, or special needs previously reported by parents
The Importance of Documentation
If a serious incident occurs at a summer camp or childcare, parents may want to consider:
- Request a copy of the report
- Take photographs of injuries when appropriate
- Retain medical records and bills related to treatment
- Document important conversations with camp staff or administration and
- Write down the names of the people involved or possible witnesses
Injuries that could require further investigation
Some situations deserve further review, especially when they involve:
- Fractures or serious injuries
- Injuries in swimming pools or water activities
- Blows to the head or possible concussions
- Accidents during excursions or transportation
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- Cases of medical malpractice or delays in emergency care
What happens if I signed a liability waiver?
Many camps require parents to sign consent, release or waiver forms. However, these documents do not necessarily eliminate all the legal obligations of summer camp or daycare. In certain circumstances, a company can still be held liable if it acted with gross negligence or breached its safety duties. Therefore, it is important that if a situation occurs at your child's summer camp, and you signed a release of liability, that you do not rule out the possibility of taking legal action. It is even advisable that you review the documents and discuss the facts of the case with a legal team promptly, so that you can take appropriate legal action within the time allowed by applicable laws.
Where can I seek legal help for an incident at a summer camp or child care?
When questions arise about your children's safety and well-being, it is valid to seek answers. Speaking with a legal team that is experienced and compassionate can help you gain clarity about the particular details of your situation and legal options.
