One of the greatest concerns parents have regarding year-round school is their ability to find care for their children during the breaks. Most adults work schedules that do not allow for them to be off with their children during the summer either; however, older teenagers and college students who provide a great deal of childcare are off and available during the summer but not necessarily at the other times of year. The issue of childcare is further complicated by the fact that year-round schools often place children in tracks. Students in each track alternate when they are in classrooms and on break. Therefore, securing childcare without taking on the financial burden of hiring full-time assistance becomes difficult.
Studies show that the involvement of authoritative, responsive parents has a huge impact on a child's success in school. Unfortunately, the conflict in scheduling that arises with year-round school can reduce a child's time with parents. As a result, they receive less than normal support at home, and their schoolwork may suffer as a result.
Alternatively, some year-round schooling takes place at home. While this experience is frequently very positive in many respects, being presented with only their parents' point of view may be construed by some as a negative. Interacting with as many people and opinions as possible is beneficial to all students, whether they are homeschooled, in a traditional school or in a year-round school.
Students also learn by watching their parents interact with other people within the community. Likewise, traveling and experiencing new things together can help strengthen the bond between parents and children. Year-round school interferes with a family's ability to plan vacations together, especially when siblings are placed in two separate tracks.