Sometimes, your schedule doesn’t fit traditional child care program hours. Drop-in child care provides flexibility for your fluctuating child care needs. If you’re curious about drop-in child care, here’s everything you need to know, including its benefits and how to prepare your little one for drop-off.
Drop-in child care is a form of daycare that provides services on an as-needed basis. Families aren’t tied to fixed schedules, so if your needs change, a drop-in child care center can accommodate you. Whether it’s a last-minute work emergency, your regular care provider is temporarily unavailable, or you’re a stay-at-home parent needing time here and there, drop-in child care can be a great option.
Typical child care programs (including centers, outdoor schools and in-home/family care) may provide drop-in child care alongside the usual full- or part-time enrollment. For Wonderschool programs, check throughout their listing if they accept drop-in care. Not sure? Reach out to a program and ask; they will be happy to clarify.
Some employers’ benefits packages include emergency daycare services, either on-site or in-home. This is perfect for occasions such as school breaks when regular providers are closed.
Daycare centers dedicated to drop-in child care may be standalone facilities or child care services provided by another organization, such as a gym.
When unexpected child care needs arise, drop-in daycare offers parents a helping hand.
You shouldn’t have to pay extra if your child care needs are unpredictable or fall outside typical business hours. Drop-in child care can be an affordable option when you need it most. Parents either pay for the hours they need or a daily flat rate, at a price that can be less expensive than a babysitter.
Drop-in child care benefits children as well as caregivers. Drop-in facilities often provide tons of fun games and activities, along with delicious snacks. Plus, your child gets to interact with other kids and build their social skills and confidence.
Trying to find child care at the last minute is stressful. Drop-in center caregivers can fill the gap. These facilities are fully licensed, and they’re required to follow strict health and safety regulations. No matter why you need drop-in childcare, you can rest assured that your child will be in qualified, caring hands.
Here are the most important things to research before sending your child to a drop-in child care center.
Just like with traditional daycare centers, you can look up a drop-in center’s license number and review their inspection history. You should also be able to request their health and safety procedures and policies, which should cover everything from illnesses to emergencies. Note that not all child care programs require full licensing, so reach out to the director to understand their safety policies.
Drop-in child care centers should conduct background checks on all caregivers during their hiring processes. Feel free to ask about what else you’re considering, such as early childhood education training.
A lower child-to-staff ratio means more individual attention for your little one. A drop-in child care center should have a child-to-caregiver ratio no higher than the maximum ratio allowed by your local government.
Tour drop-in facilities ahead of time to see their play areas and assess their level of cleanliness. You can also ask how frequently they clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces.
Typical drop-in daycare activities reflect the normal programming for that facility, including educational arts and crafts to reading time to play. You can inquire about the different activities at each facility to find one that fits your child’s personality.
Some drop-in centers allow you to walk in, but others may require pre-registration.
Drop-in daycare can be a break in your child’s routine. Giving them what they need to feel calm and confident in their new environment is essential.
Focus on the positive and talk about how much fun your little one will have, especially if you know which activities they’ll get to enjoy. If they’re apprehensive, remind them that this is just temporary, and you’ll be back to pick them up before they know it.
Your drop-in daycare of choice might provide a list of what to pack, such as snacks, bottles, and diapers. A change of clothes is always a good idea just in case. If your child has comfort items, such as a favorite blanket or toy, those can be soothing in their new environment.
Remind your child during drop-off that you’re only leaving for a little while and will be back to get them later. This is also a good time to point out all the fun toys and activities they’ll get to try out. If your child gets sad when you leave while they’re looking, it’s okay to gently leave and let them settle in.
Here are some things to keep in mind before using drop-in child care for the first time.
Just because there’s more flexibility with drop-in child care does not mean a program is open 24/7. Read and review all the rules about pickup and drop-off ahead of time, and contact the program with any unanswered questions. If you have to pre-register, you should also be aware of any cancellation policies.
When dropping off your child, make sure caregivers know how to reach you and provide information for an emergency contact. If your child has any allergies or special needs, let staff know as well. They may ask for this information anyway, but it’s always good to share it so they can provide the best possible care.
The most frequent issue parents run into with drop-in child care is the same as any other form of child care — separation anxiety. It’s a perfectly natural response to a new environment. Some children may naturally adapt better than others to the change in routine.
Preparing your child for what to expect is often the best medicine for their worries. If you can tour a drop-in facility ahead of time, take them with you so the new environment seems familiar later. You can also call ahead and talk to the director or staff about your concerns.
Drop-in child care can be a great addition to your parenting toolkit when you need it. You’ll leave your little one in trusted hands so you can focus on that last-minute errand or finish up that overtime work project.
Wonderschool can help with all your child care needs, temporary or otherwise. Check out Wonderschool’s child care search to find care that helps you and your family thrive through it all.
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