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 child care provider unexpectedly cancels. We know how tricky it is to find last-minute or drop-in child care in the Boston area! So we put together this guide of child care providers that offer backup care or “drop-in” hours. Each provider has different specifications, costs, and options, but all offer drop-in child care for your daytime coverage needs!
Bright Horizons :: Various Locations
Bright Horizons is a nationwide child care 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.
Kids & Company :: Various Locations
Back-up child care is available when your regular child care arrangements fall through. Care is mostly for younger children, but school-aged children are accommodated during school-closures.
The POP Center :: Newton
The POP Center was created by parents to provide a space where parents can pursue their purpose while their children (ages 0-5) can experience purposeful play. The POP Center aims to respond to parents’ needs for flexibility, work-life balance, and quality care for children by offering an affordable and flexible solution — it combines the best elements of co-working spaces and childcare centers to create a nurturing and engaging environment!
YMCA Drop-In Child Watch :: Various Locations
Looking for child care while you exercise? Or maybe you need to catch up on emails or just take some time for yourself. Many YMCA locations offer free drop-in child watch while caregivers make use of the Y’s 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 child care program for children ages 20 months to 4 years. Make new friends while making art! Flexible schedules are available.
Massachusetts General Hospital Backup Child Care Center :: Boston
Brigham and Women’s Hospital Backup Child Care Center :: Boston
The Mass General and BWH backup child care centers provide emergency child care 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 child care, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from noon to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents pay only for the hours of daycare that are used.
KidSports :: Stoughton
Parents who find themselves in need of only occasional care or have emergency situations can bring their children to KidSports in Stoughton. KidSports 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.
