This practical guide to childcare options when kids are out of school explores the most common care options such as center-based care, camps, drop-in care, and in-home support—plus tips on how to prepare.
Center-based care and drop-in child care
Center-based care can be a dependable option during school breaks, particularly for younger children or families looking for structured, full-day coverage.
What to know:
- Some child care centers offer care during school breaks, holidays, or school closures
- Children benefit from established routines and age-appropriate activities.
- In some cases, center-based care may be available as drop-in child care rather than requiring long-term enrollment.
Access through backup child care:
For many eligible employees, center-based care during school breaks may . be available through a backup child care (BUC) benefit, making it a useful on-demand option when regular arrangements fall through.
What to consider:
Availability may be limited during peak break periods, so it helps to check options early—even if you plan to use care only occasionally.
Camps and school age programs
For school age children, camps are one of the most common school break child care solutions, especially during longer breaks like summer or holiday weeks.
What to know:
- Camps may focus on enrichment, recreation, or themed activities
- Many offer full day schedules that align with typical work hours
- Camps provide social interaction and variety when school is out
What to consider:
Spots fill quickly, and most camps require advance registration. It’s helpful to explore options as early as January for the summer and keep a backup plan in mind.
In-home care and nanny support
In-home care can be one of the most flexible on-demand care options, especially when center or camp care isn’t available or doesn’t fit your family’s needs.
What to know:
- In-home care can support siblings of different ages at once
- It works well for irregular schedules, short notice needs like sick days, or partial days
- Care may be provided by a short-term caregiver or nanny
What to consider:
Think about your child’s comfort level with in-home care, and whether this option fits your household routine and space.
How to prepare for school break child care
A little planning can make school breaks easier to manage. As you think through how to find child care during school breaks, consider the following:
- Your child’s age and preferences: Some children thrive in group settings like camps or centers, while others do better with in-home care.
- Your work schedule: Early starts, long shifts, or variable hours may influence which option is most practical.
- Length of the break: Will you need care for one day, several days, or an extended period?
- Activity level and time of year: Think about how active your child will want (or need) to be. During summer, outdoor time and high-energy activities may make camp a better fit. During winter or shorter breaks, center-based or in-home care may feel more manageable—though winter camps are often available as well.
- Backup plans: Even with scheduled care, it helps to know which on-demand options are available if plans change.
Keep care options in your back pocket
School breaks are a predictable part of the year, but care needs can vary from one break to the next. Having a mix of on-demand care options—including camps, center-based care, drop-in child care, and in-home support—can help families stay flexible and prepared.
Exploring options early and understanding what’s available can make school breaks more manageable—for both parents and children.
