NORWICH – The Place KIDS (Kids In Direct Supervision) program will soon be accepting applications for its summer program; a program that provides care for children K–6 grade – or up to the age of 12 – during the school year and summer.

In an effort to ensure the continued success of programs offered, staff at The Place are looking to spread the word that the help of families who intend to utilize the summer program is needed.

The summer program, slated to start June 30, is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m.– 6 p.m. and provides a summer full of fun for children while assisting the area's working families with an alternative to costly daycare.

An enriching variety of educational, cultural activities and thrill seeking field trips that include swimming, arts and crafts, trips to the park, and more are the staples of The Place KIDS summer program.

With the costs associated with child care during the summer months when school is not in session mounting, working families seeking viable all-inclusive child care option are being urged to consider the unique offerings at The Place.

The Place administration has kept a keen eye on state budget cuts across agencies such as the Chenango County Department of Social Services (DSS), which announced in October of 2013 that child care reimbursement programs funded through New York State Child Care Block Grant had dried-up, leaving DSS between a rock and a hard place.

Looking to pick up some of the slack and easily considered one of the most cost-effective daily programs, The Place is able to provide quality programming to local youths at a rate of $20 per day for each enrolled child. In addition to instruction and activities, The Place also provides healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks daily. The KIDS program is open to all families on a first–come, first–served basis.