With summer in full swing, many families throughout Georgia are getting ready to send their kids to summer camps. However, before dropping them off, it’s critical to see if your child’s camp meets Georgia’s health and safety standards. To do so, here are three key questions to consider, courtesy of the professional staff at Cherokee Academy at Clayton, a child care center in Canton, GA.

Questions to Ask About Health & Safety Standards for Georgia Summer Camps

1. Are They Licensed?

Your child’s summer camp should be licensed by the state to ensure safety and health guidelines are properly followed. The American Camp Association lists specific requirements for day camps and overnight camps. For example, most day camps may need to be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, and overnight camps with food service should be permitted by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

2. Do They Have Background Checks?

In the state of Georgia, licensed summer camps are required to perform background checks on all individuals who come in contact with children. This step protects your child by cross-referencing an individual’s information against state and federal databases, such as the Georgia Sex Offender Registry.

3. Are They CPR- & First Aid-Certified?

The best summer camps are prepared for any situation, which means staff should have training in CPR, first aid, and any other special skills or techniques concerning the physical and behavioral needs of different campers. This question is especially important if your child requires any specific medical accommodations or medication.

At the end of the day, the best summer camp will emphasize your child’s personal growth, enrichment, and overall safety. By asking these questions ahead of time, you can find a camp that hits all the marks. To that end, families in the Canton area trust Cherokee Academy at Clayton for their child care needs, from toddler care to summer camps. To learn more about their licensed programs, call (770) 479-4404. You can also visit them online to learn more about their history, and connect with the staff on Facebook.