Make Your Plans Now for Holiday Childcare

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

If you are a Birmingham mom working outside of the home (statistically, it’s 70% of us), then you face the seemingly endless task of finding high quality childcare options in Birmingham for your school aged child. This is your friendly reminder that it is time to make your plans for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and December vacation days. Here are some ideas to help you plan. Note: We wish the list were longer. There are either very few holiday camps or it is difficult to find them. Please let us know of others to add.

Holiday Camps:

McWane Science Center offers high quality, educational camps for Birmingham children ages 4k – 6^th grade (note: the 4k-Kindergarten is half day) during Thanksgiving and December holiday breaks. They offer several options from half day to full day camps as well as before and after care so that you can be at work by 8am and leave at 5pm. Visit the McWane Science Center Camps page for more information.

For the animal lover, the Birmingham Zoo offers school break camps forColumbus Day (Oct. 11^th), Veterans Day (Nov. 11^th), Thanksgiving and December Holidays. The camps accept children from 4k – 5^th grade and last from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The Zoo also offers pre and post care options. Visit the Birmingham Zoo’s Camp page for more information and registration.

Several Birmingham YMCA branches offer Kids Fun Days during school breaks. The single days often include a field trip and, of course, lots of physical activity. The program applies to children grades K-8^th for about $25-$40 (depending on membership). This is one of the most affordable childcare options available to families. For more information about the Alabaster, Greystone, Shelby County or Trussville Kids Fun Days visit the YMCA website. You could also check with your local YMCA branch about their Kids Fun Day program.

Christmas camp provided by the Homewood Community Center. From December 20th through December 31st from 7:30am until 6pm, children ages 5-12 will be cared for at the Homewood Community Center. The cost is $100 for Homewood residents and $200 for non-residents.

Of course, if you can score childcare by a grandparent, aunt or family friend that will be a win-win for everyone. Consider a way to thank these caregivers so that you always preserve this invaluable relationship. Gifts cards and other monetary gifts are nice but reciprocating with a service (picking up groceries, yard work, cleaning a car, pet care) can be just as valuable.

We wish you well, Birmingham Moms, as you embark on a year of federal holidays, weather make-up days and teacher work days that keep you arranging secondary childcare regularly. Please share additional suggestions in the comments. You might help a panicked Mom find the right solution for school breaks.