Whether you're launching a summer childcare camp, expanding your hours, or simply accommodating more children over the break, summer childcare programs usually won’t look the same as year round operations. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to prepare your team for the busy summer season and what to consider when hiring for summer childcare jobs.

Getting started: Forecast your summer staffing needs

Before posting any job ads, take time to understand your summer enrollment trends. How many children do you expect? What age groups? What kinds of programs are you offering—STEM, arts, outdoor recreation, or camp-style?

Enrollments and ratios

You might need to adjust your ratios for childcare summer programs, especially if you have more students in your care than usual. State regulations around ratios still apply, even during summer camp. Ensure you have enough teachers signed up for the summer well in advance.

Full-time vs part-time coverage

Summer is a great time to offer your staff supplemental income, and some level of flexibility. Perhaps your year round full timers want to work in a part time capacity, and your part timers can use summer camp as an opportunity to work more hours and gain more experience. Junior staff are perfect for summer childcare camps.

Floaters and subs

As always, you can’t predict when something might go awry. Ensure you’ve got a reliable list of floaters or subs on hand for moments when your dedicated staff are unwell or can’t make it. You might even consider tapping into subs you already rely on for a full time summer position—most will be open to the extra income and chance to show their skills in more depth.

Create winning job postings

You might not have existing staff members or subs to tap into for the summer—but that’s okay. Creating a winning job posting can attract top talent you haven’t connected with yet. Programs in your area might be closing for the summer, and those staff members will still want summer childcare jobs. Rely on community job boards, parent referrals, local businesses, or social media to find the right team. Be sure to include:

• Specific responsibilities

• Seasonal schedule expectations

• Training offered

• Pay and perks

• Include any opportunities that could arise for a year round position

Even though summer staff might only be with you for a few months, they still need to understand your center’s policies, safety protocols, and daily routines. A structured onboarding process builds confidence and consistency from day one.

Start with a simple orientation checklist that covers everything a new staff member needs to know: classroom schedules, center rules, key contacts, and expectations for professional conduct. Be sure to include time for them to shadow more experienced team members and get to know the flow of the day.

You’ll also need to cover any licensing and background check requirements specific to your program. These may vary for summer programs versus year-round care, so double-check your state’s guidelines before staff begin working.

Finally, walk through your emergency procedures and communication protocols. Everyone on your team—temporary or not—should know what to do if a child is hurt, a fire drill is called, or a parent has a concern. That kind of clarity sets your summer team up for success and ensures families feel secure leaving their children in your care.

Keep morale high during a busy season

Summer may be short, but the days are long—and often hot. It’s easy for energy to dip mid-season, especially if staff are juggling new kids, adjusted routines, or extended hours. A few thoughtful strategies can go a long way toward keeping morale high and burnout low.

Celebrate small wins: A quick thank you note, an iced coffee run, or a shoutout during morning huddle can mean a lot to a busy educator. Don’t underestimate the power of simple appreciation.

Weekly check-ins: Schedule quick one-on-ones or team debriefs at the end of the week. These don’t need to be formal—just a chance for staff to ask questions, share what’s working, and flag any concerns early.

Cross-train your team: Teaching someone how to run circle time or step into the kitchen for snack prep not only builds team flexibility—it also gives staff a break from routine and a chance to learn new skills.

Keep the energy up with summer-friendly meals: A fresh, fun menu can lift everyone’s mood. Think cold pasta salads, fruit kabobs, smoothie days, or even picnic-style lunches outdoors. Bonus: parents love hearing that their kids are trying new, seasonal foods. If you’re planning ahead, search for summer menu ideas for childcare centres and rotate new dishes in each week.

Pro Tip: Summer runs a little differently—set your team up for a fun, safe season with targeted training. Whether it's sunscreen protocols or field trip prep, a quick refresher can go a long way in keeping staff confident and kids safe.

Communicating with families over the summer

Even if family communication is already a strength, summer often brings new enrollments, seasonal staff, and shifts in daily routines. A little extra effort to keep families in the loop can go a long way in building trust and preventing confusion.

Introduce new summer staff with short bios or photos, and send a summer welcome email that outlines key dates, policies, and anything families should expect. Once the season is underway, consider sharing daily or weekly updates and photos—especially if your program includes field trips or outdoor activities that change the normal flow of the day.

With tools like Playground, it’s easy to keep parents informed in real time. Whether it’s messaging a quick reminder about water play or logging attendance more rigorously during drop-off, Playground helps your staff stay consistent and connected—even when summer gets busy.

Staffing up for summer doesn’t have to feel like a scramble. With early planning, clear hiring practices, and an engaging onboarding process, you can build a summer team that supports both your children and your staff. Whether you're expanding your summer childcare programs or just preparing for the seasonal rush, a well-prepared team is the key to success.