May is a month of momentum. In Barrie, the weather finally cooperates, outdoor time becomes a daily reality, and families emerge from the slower rhythm of winter into a much fuller calendar. For young children in childcare, it is also a month of meaningful transitions — the end of the program year is in sight, summer is on the horizon, and the longer, busier days bring both excitement and fatigue.
As childcare providers, we see these patterns every May. Here is what tends to matter most for young children this time of year, and how families can support their little ones through it.
1. Good news: we are open all summer
One of the most common questions we hear in May is whether families need to make alternative childcare arrangements for the summer. The answer is no — our centre stays open through the summer months, so your child’s care and routine remain in place.
What does change is the tone of the programming. Summer at our centre is intentionally more relaxed and fun — think sensory play, water activities, outdoor exploration, and creative projects — rather than the structured, learning-focused programming of the regular year. It is a wonderful season for the children, and one we genuinely look forward to.
We stay open all summer with the same familiar team and environment your child knows. Programming shifts to a summer theme — more play-based, more outdoors, and a lot more fun. If your family takes a vacation, simply let us know — your child’s spot will be waiting when you return.
2. End-of-year emotions are real — for children and parents
Even with continuity of care through the summer, children are perceptive and pick up on the seasonal shift. Friendships, room groupings, and routines may change as the year winds down, and it is not unusual to see an uptick in clinginess or bigger emotional reactions at home in May and June.
Acknowledging the transition openly — in age-appropriate language — goes a long way. Letting a child know that change is coming, that their feelings about it make sense, and that the people who care for them will continue to do so is genuinely reassuring.
Children who have had a consistent, secure year in care often show a burst of independence in May — more confident, more social, and more willing to try new things. It is one of our favourite things to observe this time of year.
3. Protect sleep as schedules get busier
May fills up fast — sports, school events, family commitments, and the pull of those long, warm evenings. For children in childcare, adequate sleep directly affects their ability to regulate emotions, engage with activities, and get along with peers throughout the day.
Children between the ages of one and five generally need between 10 and 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. When that slips — even by 30 to 45 minutes consistently — the effects at daycare are noticeable within a few days.
Longer daylight makes bedtime a battle for many families in May. Blackout blinds, a consistent pre-sleep routine, and resisting the urge to push bedtime later on weeknights can make a real difference — both at home and at the centre the next morning.
4. Outdoor play is learning — take it seriously
May in Barrie is ideal for outdoor play, and at our centre we make the most of it. What might look like children simply running around or digging in the garden is rich developmental work: building gross motor skills, practising negotiation and cooperation, developing risk assessment, and burning the physical energy that makes focused time possible.
Encouraging unstructured outdoor play at home on evenings and weekends complements what we do at the centre. It does not need to be organized — in fact, free outdoor time is often more valuable developmentally than scheduled activities.
5. Mental Health Awareness Month applies to caregivers too
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada, and it is worth naming directly: parenting and caregiving are demanding, and the busy spring season can stretch people thin. A caregiver who is running on empty has less capacity to offer the warmth, patience, and consistency that young children need.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, that is worth paying attention to — not pushing through. Lean on your support network, talk to your child’s educators if something at home is affecting your child’s day, and do not hesitate to ask for help. We are partners in this, not just a service.
May is a month we genuinely love at our centre. The children are at their most confident, the days are long and full, and a fun summer is just around the corner. If you have questions about summer programming, scheduling, or anything else, our team is always happy to chat — please reach out anytime.
