In general, parents should look for a center that offers both a safe and caring place to learn and play and one that will keep their child engaged. Choosing after-school childcare is much less stressful for parents when they know what to look for, and it's a lot more fun for the kids there.
Play is essential for a child's healthy brain development and teaches them how to interact and respond to others. They can exercise their imaginations, grow as creative thinkers, and improve their critical thinking skills.
Whole foods can help ensure your kids' snack time is a healthy part of their daily diet. Just like adults, kids need a lot of protein, carbohydrates, and fat for energy. They also need minerals and the alphabet of vitamins for strong immune systems and healthy cell growth and function.
School-aged children and teens spend 80% of their awake time outside of school, and 1 in 5 young people in the U.S. are alone after school. High-quality after-school activities help young people grow in a good way and give them a safe place to explore their potential.
If a child doesn't get enough physical exercise daily, it can have serious short-term and long-term effects. Making sure that kids stay busy and physically active as they grow up can help them develop healthy habits that will last well into adulthood.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
