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Get started early to avoid the summer slide for your child
Get started early to avoid the summer slide for your child

Miami Herald

time14-04-2025

  • General
  • Miami Herald

Get started early to avoid the summer slide for your child

The 'summer slide' is an academic regression that happens when children take a break from studies during the summer. A Brown University study of summer learning loss concluded that 'some students maintain their school-year learning rate throughout the summer, while others can lose almost as much ground as they had gained in the preceding school year.' Not every child will experience this phenomenon, but parents can proactively help avoid it by keeping children's brains engaged on those long summer days in various ways, including hundreds of free summer camps across Miami-Dade County. Though kids are still in the last months of the school year, the time to start making preparations for summer learning is now! A Summer of Learning for All Many young children at risk of falling behind are not provided with meaningful summer activities to help them preserve or expand upon their learning during the school year. That is why The Children's Trust is proud to fund thousands of activities for children of all ages year-round, not only during the academic year. Additionally, Children's Trust-funded youth development programs ensure that children and youth living with disabilities across Miami-Dade County can participate in summer camps. On the other hand, if your teenager prefers the sound of a 'summer of earning' to a 'summer of learning,' sign them up for the Summer Youth Internship Program. The Children's Trust also helps fund this paid internship program available to rising 10-12th graders. Organizations and companies in a multitude of industries will keep them busy for five weeks with real work, during which they'll earn a $1,500 stipend and learn crucial life skills. Learn more at Sign Up for the Perfect Summer! Summers don't have to be about learning loss. In fact, they're a great opportunity for kids to find something new to love, to explore specific subjects that they are already passionate about and to make new friends. The Children's Trust invests the largest portion of its budget in youth enrichment activities, including summer camps. From STEM classes with a focus on coding and technology, musical programs and dance-focused summer camps, or sports-centered programs, there are a whole host of low-cost and free programs across Miami-Dade County that offer something for all interest. Finding the Right Activity Finding the right activity to suit your kid's unique needs and interests can be overwhelming. Before settling on a camp, consider whether the location, hours, staffing, safety protocols and activities sound like a good fit for your child - and, for older kids, get them to help with the selection process. A recent analysis of a study into the impact of structured summer programming found that 'many marginalized children do not participate in summer programming' and 'many children do not engage in summer programming, and among those who do, the attendance rate is low.' One reason families don't sign up for available programming is that they don't know how to find the right one. For the third year, The Trust continues joining forces with Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Jewish Community Services of South Florida for the More Summer Camp Choices Campaign. Families needing help finding the right summer camp or activity can call the 211 helpline or visit to see many great programs in one place. Parents can also go to to find a program. Climb the Summer Slide Together The summer can be a great opportunity to build new family habits. If you can't be together during the day, set aside time to connect as a family in the evening. Consider working on a shared project like building a model, cooking new meals together or playing board games as a family. These practices turn attention away from screens and help keep your child's brain engaged at home during the summer. An evening reading routine is also beneficial for the whole family. For parents with newborns up to 5 years old, The Children's Trust Book Club provides age-appropriate books in English and Spanish delivered every month for free. This practice can foster a better relationship with your child and help with childhood language and cognitive development. Yvette Thompson-Echevarria, Associate Director of Programs at The Children's Trust, joined The Children's Trust in March 2021. She has extensive program management experience working with nonprofit and community-based organizations focused on education and family engagement.

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