Why Summer Programs Matter for Your Preschool's Bottom Line
Most preschools operate on a nine-month calendar, leaving a two-to-three-month revenue gap each summer. Summer camp programs fill that gap while keeping your facility booked, staff employed, and families engaged. A well-planned summer offering can add 15–30% to your annual revenue without major infrastructure changes.
The Summer Camp Revenue Opportunity
Families with preschool-age children desperately need childcare during summer break. Many parents take time off work or juggle schedules, creating demand for flexible, enriching programs. Unlike the rigid school-year model, summer camps allow you to charge premium rates—typically $250–$400 per week for part-time programs (2–3 days) and $400–$600+ per week for full-time enrollment.
The beauty of summer programming is that you're leveraging existing space, staff, and reputation. You don't need to build new classrooms or hire entirely new teams; you're extending the value of what you already have.
Structuring Your Summer Offerings
Part-time vs. full-time options
Offer both to capture different family needs. Part-time (2–3 days per week) appeals to families with one parent home or flexible schedules. Full-time (5 days per week) targets dual-income households. Staggering start dates weekly or bi-weekly maximizes enrollment flexibility.
Theme-based programming
Structure each week around themes that appeal to parents—"Water Week," "Science Explorer," "Arts & Crafts Adventure," or "Music & Movement." Themed camps feel special, justify higher fees, and make marketing easier. Many preschools charge $50–$100 more per week for specialized themes like STEM or language immersion.
Session length
Four-to-six-week sessions work best. Anything longer risks parents booking elsewhere if they take extended vacations. Shorter sessions (2–3 weeks) appeal to families with mid-summer trips or those testing your program for the first time.
Setting Competitive Pricing
Research local competition—check what other preschools, daycare centers, and community programs charge. Most part-time summer programs in urban and suburban areas range $275–$350 weekly; rural areas may be $200–$250. Don't underprice to compete; instead, highlight unique offerings (low teacher-student ratios, specialized curriculum, field trips, etc.) that justify premium rates.
Include a clear breakdown in your pricing:
- Base tuition per day or week
- Supply/activity fees ($25–$50 monthly)
- Lunch/snack fees if applicable
- Discounts for multi-week or sibling enrollment (5–10% is standard)
Marketing Your Summer Programs
Start promoting in March—many families plan summer childcare by late spring. Use email campaigns to existing families (they're your easiest converts), post on your website, and create Instagram content showing last year's activities.
Consider offering a "summer preview" day or open house in May. Even a two-hour visit builds confidence and often converts browsers into registrations.
Listing your summer programs on platforms like Mercoly ensures families searching for "summer camps near me" or "preschool programs" actually find you, giving you access to qualified leads actively looking for childcare solutions.
Staffing for Summer Success
You likely won't need your full school-year staff. Calculate based on enrollment and state child-to-staff ratios (typically 1:6 to 1:8 for preschool-age children). Offer current staff summer hours first—many prefer the extended work. For gaps, hire seasonal staff through April or May; summer hiring becomes difficult as June approaches.
Budget $18–$25 per hour for experienced aides and $22–$30 for lead teachers with preschool certification.
Managing Liability and Compliance
Check your insurance policy—some preschool policies have summer exclusions or require additional coverage. Update health forms and emergency contacts for all summer participants. Review your state's licensing requirements; some states require the same supervision ratios for summer camps as traditional preschool, while others have different rules.
Maintain attendance records and keep incident logs, especially for field trips or community outings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I run a summer program without full licensing if I'm already licensed as a preschool? It depends on your state. Some states consider summer camps the same as preschool and require identical licensing; others have separate rules. Contact your state's Department of Early Care and Education to confirm before launching.
Q: What's a realistic enrollment rate for first-time summer programs? Most new summer programs achieve 40–60% of school-year enrollment in their first year. Build in a 2–3 week marketing lead time and offer early-bird discounts (10% off) to hit enrollment targets by mid-June.
Q: Should I offer half-day or full-day options? Yes—offer both. Half-days (9 a.m.–noon) suit families with part-time needs and charge $150–$200 weekly; full days charge $400–$600. Many families book a mix depending on their week.
Start planning your summer program now and position your preschool for a profitable off-season.