Maybe you’re a realtor or a nurse with unpredictable hours. Maybe you’re a stay-at-home parent who needs an afternoon to run errands or get to a doctor appointment. Maybe your usual childcare provider unexpectedly cancels. We know how tricky it is to find spontaneous, drop-in childcare in the Boston area. So we put together this guide of childcare providers that offer backup care or “drop-in” hours. Each childcare provider has different specifications, costs, and options, but all offer flexible, drop-in childcare for your daytime coverage needs!
Bright Horizons :: Various Locations
Bright Horizons is a nationwide childcare center that offers safe, high-quality care as well as engaging, fun activities for your child when your regular caregiver is unavailable. Contact your closest center for availability and more information.
Little Discoveries Early Education Academy :: Brockton
Hourly drop-in childcare is available from Monday to Friday. Children will learn while they play! Enrollment and medical forms must be completed prior to participation.
YMCA Drop-In Child Watch :: Various Locations
Looking for child care while you exercise? Many YMCA locations offer free drop-in Child Watch while caregivers make use of the Y’s fitness facilities! Check your local Y for details.
Art Barn :: Weymouth
Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to learn and grow through art and nature in this childcare program for children ages 20 months to 4 years. Make new friends while making art! Flexible schedules are available.
Healthy Minds Drop-In Childcare :: Brockton
Healthy Minds nurtures your child while you shop, work or enjoy date night! Kids will get to participate in Arts & Crafts, STEM activities, and much more!
Mother’s Helpers :: Greater Boston
This nanny placement service specializes in flexible-need care. Register with an annual fee and have easy access to all your care needs.
Massachusetts General Hospital Backup Child Care Center :: Boston
Brigham and Women’s Hospital Backup Child Care Center :: Boston
The Mass General and BWH backup childcare centers provide emergency childcare for benefits-eligible employees of Mass General, BWH, and Partners HealthCare, and patients who are unexpectedly without a caregiver for their children. Care is provided for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children up to 12 years old.
Auburndale Community Pre-School :: Newton
Auburndale Community Preschool offers flexible childcare/daycare, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents pay only for the hours of daycare that are used.
KidsSports :: Stoughton
Parents who find themselves in need of only occasional care or have emergency situations can bring their children to KidsSports in Stoughton. KidsSports accepts children ages 2.9–5 for preschool or grades K-5 in an after-school program on an as-needed basis. To participate in the drop-off program, parents must establish a folder for their child. Drop-in care is usually available, but pre-registration is highly encouraged.
Priceless Moments :: North Attleboro
Priceless Moments has a licensed high-quality drop-in childcare program for children ages newborn–6 years old. Parents may schedule a minimum of four hours or as much as needed. Parents may sign up on the same day services are needed or schedule the services in advance. There are no registration fees; parents pay only for the services used. The enrollment process must be completed before participation.
