Drop-in daycare is care at a licensed daycare for a single day or part-day, without regular enrollment. In California you can check any program's license and inspection history on the CDSS Care Facility Search. Expect to complete the same enrollment records as a regular family, including emergency information, medical consent and an immunization record, so preparing them in advance is the biggest time-saver.
What drop-in daycare is
Drop-in (or backup) daycare means your child attends a licensed family child care home or child care center for a day or part of a day, without a regular schedule. Families use it for school closure days, when a nanny or regular program is unavailable, for work travel and appointments, and to try a program before enrolling.
Unlike a babysitter, drop-in care happens at the program with its own staff, routines and other children, and licensed programs are inspected by the state.
Check the license
Every licensed California program has a facility number. You can look it up on the CDSS Care Facility Search to confirm the license is current and see inspection and complaint history. Some care is legally exempt from licensing, such as care for the children of only one family, so it's worth confirming which kind you're using.
The paperwork
A licensed program needs a complete record before admitting your child, whether it's their first day of regular enrollment or a single drop-in day. Expect identification and emergency information, consent for medical treatment, your child's immunization record and signed parents' rights notices. See every form explained.
Keep your child's immunization record, doctor's details, allergy and medication information, and a list of authorized pickup adults somewhere you can reach quickly. That's the part EnrollPass is designed to do for you.
What to pack
- A change of clothes, labelled, plus weather-appropriate outerwear
- Food and drink if the program asks you to bring them (ask about its meal policy and any nut-free rules)
- Any medication, in the original container, with the program's medication consent completed
- Diapers, wipes and cream if your child uses them
- A comfort item for nap time
Questions to ask
- What is your license number, and what ages are you licensed for?
- Who will care for my child, and how many children will be in the group today?
- What does the day look like: meals, nap, outdoor time?
- How will you contact me during the day?
- What do you need from me at pickup, and who can pick up?
- What is your rate for a full day and a half day, and your cancellation policy?
Paying for it
Rates vary by program and area, so ask each provider. If your employer offers a dependent care flexible spending account, care that allows you to work is generally eligible; check your plan's rules.
Common questions
Is drop-in daycare licensed?
It can be. Drop-in days at a licensed family child care home or center are covered by that program's license. Check the license number on the CDSS Care Facility Search.
Can I book drop-in daycare the same day?
Sometimes, if a program has space for your child's age. Having your child's enrollment records ready makes a same-day booking far more likely to work.