Caring for our Littles: Children’s Program Updates

At our January Board meeting, a motion passed (12-1) that proposed a new policy for the Littles Program (children under age 3) at our summer camps.  Having received some feedback from parents/grandparents affected by this new policy via letters, texts, emails and phone calls, the Committee and Board Executive felt it was important to clear up misconceptions and to hear concerns and answer questions.  We scheduled a zoom call for this group, as well as the Children’s Program Committee and Board members, on Sunday, March 3.  In attendance were 6 out of 8 Board members, 7 Children’s Committee members, 2 July Deans, 2 Children’s Program Coordinators for July and August, a former Board member, an interested Elioteer, and one parent. 

 The Committee met online following the March 3 conversation. Having heard the concerns and some good suggestions from participants on the call, the Committee looked again at all the factors that needed to be considered: 

  • the needs of little ones

  • the needs of the parents

  • staffing

  • safety

  • the need for flexibility

  • the spaces that are available and appropriate for children under 3

  • liability

  • the need for this to be a positive experience for all, especially the littles

 

The Committee came up with a new proposal. We proposed having designated area(s) for littles and staff provisioned with playthings, books, activities, and music. There would be at least 2 staff; more if needed to keep with our ratio of 1 adult to 3 little ones. Parents/guardians would leave a cell phone number at which they can be reached should their child become distressed or if their child is unable to nap in the group setting. If phoned, parents/guardians would then be responsible for their child. Parents or guardians would be welcome to stay with the littles play group at any time.

At the April Board meeting, this new adaptation of the policy was accepted.  There will now be more flexibility for Children’s Program staff to be creative in how they set up their programs. We hope that, through these conversations and policy adaptations, that some of the fears and concerns we heard are allayed. 

The description of the Children’s Program on the Eliot website is being updated and will soon be posted.  Families currently signed up for camp have been informed of the plans for the Littles Program and we have received positive feedback.

Lynn Sabourin, Committee Chair