What is a Drop-In Child Care Center?
Drop-in child care is a back-up child care option you can count on whenever your initial plans fall through. Drop-in child care centers are used by parents and guardians who need emergency child care or flexible care.
Whether you have a temporary, short-term need like a parent date night, a school holiday, or an errand to run, a drop-in child care center can help. Many plan exciting activities– you might find a safari-themed day, a talent show, dance party, special art projects, science days, and more. For drop-in child care, you’ll need to be easily reachable by phone and able to pick your child up early if necessary (just like regular child care centers).
What is the Difference Between Back-Up Care and Drop-in Child Care
If you unexpectedly need child care in order to make it to work (i.e., school has a snow day or your sitter is sick), you might have access to back-up daycare through your employer’s benefits.
What is back- up care, you may be wondering? This emergency child care solutions gives working parents on-site, center-based, or even at-home care whenever their regular work-day child care plans fall through. Back-up care can also help fill gaps in care during school breaks, and more.
What to Look for in a Drop-In Child Care Center
Drop-in child care centers are typically required to be regulated or licensed by the state in which they operate – be sure to check whether that’s the case in your state.
Additionally, ask questions that will give you peace of mind and make you feel comfortable leaving your child in their care. For example:
- What are the teacher’s training and educational qualifications?
- Does each staff member undergo a criminal background check?
- What type of learning activities will be made available for my child?
- How many children will be in the classroom/what’s the teacher-to-child ratio?
- What are the health, safety, and security policies?
Affordability is key, too. Drop-in child daycare centers may be more cost-effective for your family than local babysitters. Of course, it depends on the area you live in, and rates vary depending on how many children you have and the amount of time you need care. With the Bright Horizons benefit, you can have peace of mind knowing you can find high-quality, affordable back-up care without the financial stress.
In this type of child care setting, children can interact with other children their age. They’ll likely be provided meals and snacks, and will get to participate in structured activities. Drop-in child care can offer a break from your child’s typical routine – and they’ll end up having a lot of fun.
If there are multiple drop-in child care centers in your area, consider visiting to get a feel for each one. Take a tour and ask questions. This way, when it comes time to actually drop your child off , you’ll feel more comfortable, you’ll know where to go and what to bring for the day, and you’ll walk out the door with peace of mind.
