Drop-In Care

Flexible childcare when you need it

What is Drop-In Care?

Drop-In Care is our flexible childcare option for parents who need occasional, short-term care without a full-time commitment. Your child enjoys the same safe, nurturing environment and engaging activities as our full-time students—including arts and crafts, storytime, outdoor play, and interactive learning experiences tailored to your child's age group.

Choose your payment option: Select how you'll pay for drop-in care

Rates

$10/hour
  • 4-hour minimum ($40 minimum)
  • Cash only — payment due at drop-off
  • Late pickup fee: $1 per minute after 6:00 PM

How It Works

1

Check Availability

View the calendar below to see open spots.

2

Reserve Your Spot

  • Call or text (360) 682-8920
  • 24-hour advance notice preferred
  • Same-day requests accepted based on availability
  • No walk-ins
3

First Visit Paperwork

  • Complete enrollment forms and liability waiver (first visit only)
  • Bring immunization records

Download Enrollment Forms →

4

Drop Off & Pay

  • Arrive between 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Pay cash at drop-off
⚠️ No drop-off during nap time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
5

Pick Up

  • Pick up by 6:00 PM
⚠️ No pickup during nap time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Who It's For

Perfect for families needing occasional, flexible childcare:

Appointments & errands Self-care days Work meetings Date nights Any time you need a few hours

Rates

DSHS Covers Your
Authorized Hours
  • We bill DCYF directly for your authorized hours
  • Extra hours beyond authorization: $10/hour (cash at pickup)
  • Late pickup fee: $1 per minute after 6:00 PM
Example: Authorized for 6 hours, child stays 8 hours → DSHS covers 6 hours, you pay $20 cash for extra 2 hours

How It Works

1

Get DSHS Authorization

2

Check Availability

View the calendar below to see open spots.

3

Reserve Your Spot

  • Call or text (360) 682-8920
  • 24-hour advance notice preferred
  • Same-day requests accepted based on availability
  • No walk-ins
4

First Visit Paperwork

  • Complete enrollment forms and liability waiver (first visit only)
  • Bring immunization records
  • Bring DSHS authorization letter

Download Enrollment Forms →

5

Drop Off

  • Arrive between 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
⚠️ No drop-off during nap time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
6

Pick Up

  • Pick up by 6:00 PM
  • Pay cash for any hours beyond your daily authorization
⚠️ No pickup during nap time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Who It's For

Perfect for families with DSHS childcare benefits who need flexible care:

Parents with variable work schedules Job seekers attending interviews Parents in training programs Retail, healthcare, hospitality workers Any DSHS-eligible family

Don't have DSHS authorization yet?

You may qualify for childcare assistance. Apply today!

Apply at Washington Connection →
NWCKA SSPS #: 587902

Availability Calendar

Check open spots for the next two weeks

Loading availability...

Available
Limited
Full
Closed

What to Bring

Please pack these items for your child

Essentials for All Children
Diapers/pull-ups and wipes (if needed)
Change of clothes
Comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal)
Lunch/snacks if staying through meal time
Payment Items
Cash for payment Private Pay
Authorization letter (first visit) DSHS
Cash for any extra hours beyond authorization DSHS

Important Policies

👶 Ages Accepted

12 months to 7 years old.

🔒 Safety & Security

Secure entry systems, regular sanitization, trained staff supervision, and low teacher-to-child ratios ensure your child receives individual attention in a safe environment.

🏥 Health & Safety

We cannot accept sick children (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness). Current immunizations are required.

❌ Cancellation

Please notify us as early as possible if you need to cancel. No-shows may affect future booking priority.

🚫 Right to Refuse

We reserve the right to refuse service for any reason.

📅 Availability Not Guaranteed

Drop-in care is subject to daily availability based on staff-to-child ratios and classroom capacity. Unlike full-time enrollment, drop-in does not reserve a dedicated spot. Families needing guaranteed daily care should inquire about full-time or part-time enrollment.

Ready to Book?

Call or Text

(360) 682-8920

Or submit an inquiry

Request Drop-In Care