Back-Up Child Care: Reliable Care When You Need It Most

Introducing Drop-In & Back-Up Child Care at Healthy Kids Early Learning Centers

At Healthy Kids, we understand that working families need more than quality care — they need flexibility. Life doesn’t always follow a predictable schedule, and finding safe, nurturing care at the last minute shouldn’t be stressful.

That’s why we’re now offering Drop-In & Back-Up Child Care at all Healthy Kids Early Learning Center locations — giving families a dependable option for children ages 12 months to 5 years, available with just 24 hours’ notice for $100 per day.

What Is Drop-In & Back-Up Child Care?

Our program offers families access to our nurturing, curriculum-based early learning environment — even when they’re not enrolled full-time or their regular childcare plan changes unexpectedly.

Back-Up Care is short-term, emergency childcare designed to fill the gap when regular arrangements are unavailable. It gives families peace of mind knowing that a safe, high-quality program is ready when plans change — whether your nanny calls out, your sitter cancels, or your regular center is closed.

We’re here to be that reliable plan B, a familiar, supportive environment where children can continue learning, playing, and thriving even on short notice.

Why This Matters in Today’s World

We know that supporting families in 2025 means going beyond traditional models of care. With remote work, shift work, part-time jobs, and blended family responsibilities, many parents are balancing more than ever before.

Drop-In & Back-Up Care offers relief on unpredictable days, supports parents with shifting schedules, and gives children a safe, familiar place to learn and play when plans change — reducing stress while maintaining continuity in their daily routines.

How to Book Drop-In & Back-Up Care

You must be fully registered with us to use the Drop-In Program.

New family? Find your location and click "Register" to start the process. Once confirmed, you are ready to follow the steps below to book care.

1️⃣ Log into your Playground Parent Portal

2️⃣ Select your child’s profile and click “Schedule”

3️⃣ Choose “Book Drop-In Care”

4️⃣ Pick your date and submit payment to confirm

Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are based on availability at each ELC location.

Families using subsidy assistance can contact our registration team directly at elcregistration@healthykidsprograms.com or (845) 330-0200 for manual processing.

Flexibility Families Can Count On

Our mission has always been to support children, families, and communities. Expanding Drop-In & Back-Up Care to our Early Learning Centers means more parents can meet their work and family commitments with peace of mind — and more children can experience the joyful, safe learning environments that define Healthy Kids.

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