National #SummerLearningWeek is July 10-14, 2023 – learn more here!

Summertime represents a chance to embrace hands-on, outdoor learning experiences that may be limited for children during the traditional school year. During this academic year, youths experienced school with a more prepandemic ambiance than the last 2 years. To keep the momentum going this summer, it is more important than ever to seize the joys and opportunities of summer learning and enrichment.

In this spirit, please join the Office of Child Care’s (OCC) National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE) in celebrating National Summer Learning Week from July 10 to 14, 2023. This year, National Summer Learning Week will spotlight the importance of summertime enrichment opportunities through four important themes:

• Fostering Families
• Love of Literacy and Learning
• Wonders of Wellness
• Summer Skill-Building.

National Summer Learning Week is a coordinated effort—organized by the NCASE consortium partner, National Summer Learning Association (NSLA)—with families, programs, and communities participating in events across the United States. NSLA offers resources to help programs and families facilitate summertime literacy activities, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning, nutrition and physical education, leadership, and the arts. Please watch this brief video clip from NSLA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aaron Dworkin, about National Summer Learning Week. For more guidance on promoting school-age children’s learning and development in the summer months or on exploring a webinar, a guide, and tip sheets, click on the resource links below:

• NCASE System Summer Learning Planning Guide
• Summer: The Great Equalizer Webinar
• Summer Learning and Enrichment: Tips for School-Age Care Providers
• Summer Learning Fun: Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Child Care and Development Fund program-funded school-age care providers have been adapting and innovating to ensure that youths can access quality learning opportunities and critical supports and services all year long. OCC’s investment in school-age child care makes a big difference in the lives of the children and families served. Take time this week to celebrate summer learning and enrichment in your community.