Convention childcare: FAQ

A multi-ethnic group of children learning to dribble a basketball at a summer sports day camp. They are wearing athletic clothing and are playing basketball in an indoor gym.“Families, become what you are!” is fast approaching and it’s time to clear up the details so the celebration goes as smoothly as possible.

Here’s everything you’ll need to know about our childcare programs in an easy-to-read Q&A format:

Why should I put my kids in childcare?

This is a family event, so we’re emphasizing the importance of doing things as a tribe. However, we also know that wrangling kids at a national convention can be…less than rejuvenating. We’ve tried to strike the perfect balance between the two, offering structured, age-appropriate learning for kids during parts of the event, and letting you make memories as a family for the rest. Taking advantage of childcare means making space for you and the kids to relax together and to enjoy time with peers when you’re apart.

Do my kids qualify for childcare?

We have programs for children as young as 3 years old, and as old as high school. They’ll be broken up into the following groups:

  • Group 1: 3 years old — entering 3rd grade
  • Group 2: entering 4th grade — entering 8th grade
  • Group 3: entering 9th grade — entering 12th grade

My teen isn’t thrilled about being in “childcare.”

It’s admittedly not the most ideal name. Really, the “childcare” would be more aptly described as “summer camp.” We’ve coupled with some of the best names in educational fun, including the American Heritage Girls, ECyD and Ruah Woods to provide an active, entertaining, and unforgettable learning experience. Details about each level can be found here.

Should my child bring anything special to childcare?

Every child must wear his/her nametag and colored wristband at all times. A childcare packet will be given to each family upon arrival at the convention, containing enough wristbands for each child to wear a fresh band daily. Wristbands are color-coded by grade level. Each morning, please ensure your child wears a new wristband of the correct color. Nothing else will be needed for childcare.

How does the drop-off/pick-up process work?

  • There will be check-in tables near the childcare area, one for each age group.
  • Parents will check their children into childcare by providing identification (such as convention name tag or a driver’s license) and recording the child’s name, parent name, and parent emergency phone number in the check-in binders.
  • Check-out will work similarly, and a volunteer will bring your child out of the childcare area to meet you.

Only children and certified volunteers are allowed in the childcare area. Children will not be released without a parent or guardian there to collect them. We ask that you arrive promptly to drop-off/pick-up times so that we can respect our volunteers’ schedules.

Is the childcare area secure? 

Only children and certified volunteers are allowed to enter the childcare area. Anyone picking up a child must provide identification (convention name tag, driver’s license, etc.) and must wait near the check-in table for the child to be brought out by a volunteer. Keep in mind, also, that CCL’s event is the only one going on at the convention center at that time. So everyone there will be connected to CCL.

What if I have special concerns about my children? 

If you note the concerns in the provided field during registration, we’ll handle arrangements that need to be made. Our volunteers are hand-picked, capable and experienced.

Will the children have access to food in between official mealtimes?

Yes, snack time is a staple of any summer program. If there are any food allergies or concerns for your child, just make a note of it during registration and we’ll ensure his/her dietary needs are met.

Will my child be able to leave childcare if (s)he wants?

No children will be allowed to leave childcare without their parent or guardian. If, for some reason, your child does not want to continue attending the childcare activities, we ask that you wait until the end of the current session to pick them up. No refunds will be issued for unattended childcare sessions.

What if there’s an emergency and I need to leave with my child? 

Emergency contact information will be provided in the childcare packet upon arrival at the convention. Should an emergency arise, please contact the childcare coordinators via the numbers provided there. They will arrange for you to pick up your child as soon as possible.

What if there’s an emergency on CCL’s end? 

If the childcare coordinators encounter an emergency, parents will be contacted via the phone number provided at child-care drop-off/pick-up.

Will the children be outdoors? 

None of the activities will take place outdoors, but the children will be active indoors. Please ensure that your child has shoes suitable for running and play.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Silvia Schmidt at her email or by phone at (513) 471-2000 x1031. 

See you in July!

— Forest Hempen
Marketing and Communications Associate