Full-day care available for student parents

Kent State student parents in need of a baby sitter over spring break need look no farther.

For $20 per day, the Kent Parks and Recreation Department is offering childcare at the Kent Recreation Center March 26 – 30.

Any child age 6 to 12 years is eligible for full-day care in the program and does not have to be a Kent resident. The program will run daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The theme is ‘Hawaiian Hangout,'” said Megan Johns, a program administrator at the department who is coordinating the vacation school. “This was the theme when we started the spring break program last year, and it was really popular. We brought Hawaiian music and had a limbo stick. The kids made fruit salads and smoothies as a cooking activity. It was a lot of fun.”

Aside from teaching children how to make certain foods, the program offers full, daily activity plans and participation options such as craft and library groups.

Each day will feature a specific activity for children, such as a movie showing Tuesday and an inflatable obstacle course the following Thursday. For an additional $7, children can participate in a bowling field trip to Kent Lanes Wednesday. The luau will take place Friday.

During their stay, children may also take advantage of supervised, educational computer games and a variety of toys.

“We usually have three to four supervisors per shift,” Johns said. “Our staff is made of certified instructors who have met thorough requirements. Many of them are college students.”

Nutritious snacks will be provided in the morning and afternoon, but children are required to bring their own packed lunch.

The children will be divided into age groups kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grade.

“Parents continue to work, so they need childcare,” said Recreation Supervisor Nancy Rice. “We understand that. We meet their needs.”

The Kent Recreation Center is located at 1115 Franklin Ave., across from Holden Elementary School.

The spring break program has a 36-child limit, and desired days must be reserved today by visiting the department office at 497 Middlebury Road or calling (330) 673-8897.

Contact public affairs reporter Ally Melling at [email protected].