But an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation found that more than 900 summer camps in Georgia are exempt from state regulation, allowing them to legally avoid inspections, criminal background checks for employees and other safeguards designed to keep kids safe.
1. Is the camp licensed by the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)? If so, the program is required to adhere to all state regulations for health, safety, supervisions, physical space and much more. You can also look up their inspection reports on DECAL's website.
2. If not, find out if they filed for an “exemption from licensing”. They must inform parents about their exemption and are supposed to display a sign around the front of the building or desk.
3. What is the camper to teacher ratio for the majority of the day?
4. How do they handle supervision of children, discipline issues?
5. What age groups will be combined together? (If you have a younger child, you may not want them mixed with older children.)
6. What is the schedule for the program, what will they be doing each day? Review how much is downtime versus planned activities.
7. Ask the qualifications of the teacher? Age, training, years working with children: especially ask who has First Aid and CPR
8. Does all staff have satisfactory and up-to-date criminal background checks?
9. What is the policy for handling injuries and illness?
10. What does the physical space and outside play area look like? Can children wander away or can outsiders reach them? Are there fences, locks or other precautions?
11. Do the campers go swimming or near water? Do they take swim proficiency tests? Is there a lifeguard on duty? What are the ratios for supervision in water?
12. What insurance does the program carry? Do they have liability insurance?
Consideration for field trips
1. Who is driving the vehicle and what is their driving record?
2. Are there safety restraints in the vehicle?
3. How far do they go on field trips?
4. What is their procedure for checking the vehicle to ensure no child is left on?
5. How many teachers attend a field trip?
6. Is there a vehicle inspection report?
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