Flexible childcare,
booked in minutes.
Find a licensed center with a real opening near you and book your child's spot in minutes. No phone tag, no paperwork, no waitlist.
Real-time openings at 39,000+ licensed centers, bookable in minutes
Trusted by Parents
Real Stories from Real Families
“DropIn saved me on a day when my regular sitter cancelled. I found a licensed center two miles away with an open spot, booked and dropped off in under an hour.”
Jarmila
Mother of 1.5-year-old
“We use DropIn for weekend care when we need a few hours. It’s been a game-changer for us, with no commitments, no enrollment fees, and our son loves it.”
Naoto
Father of 3-year-old
“I was visiting family in Texas and needed last-minute childcare. DropIn found me a center within 15 minutes. The whole experience felt safe and professional.”
Diana
Mother of 1-year-old
The DropIn App
Flexible childcare, always with you.Pay only for what you need.
Search, book, and check in from the DropIn app. Then follow your child's day as it happens, free on iPhone.
- Step 01
Search
Browse licensed drop-in centers near you and see who has space today, live.
- Step 02
Book in seconds
Reserve a spot the moment you need it. Same-day bookings, no calls, no waitlists.
- Step 03
Drop in
Check in with a QR code at the door. No clipboards, no paperwork, just go.
- Step 04
Stay connected
Photos, updates, and activity logs all day, plus a ping when it’s time for pickup.
Open today in CHICAGO
See all centers
Bright Horizons at South WabashBRIGHT HORIZONS AT SOUTH WABASH
CHICAGO · Ages 0 months - 5 years
Bright Horizons at Cook County/City of Chicago CDCTHE COOK COUNTY/CITY OF CHGO CHILD DEVEL
4.8CHICAGO · Ages 0 months - 6 years
American Montessori Academy South LoopSOUTH LOOP MONTESSORI SCHOOL
CHICAGO · Ages 0 months - 3 years
It Takes A Village At River CityIT TAKES A VILLAGE AT RIVER CITY, LLC
3.4CHICAGO · Ages 0 months - 12 years
Mehdi RodsarabiBright Horizons Chicago West
5.0Chicago · Ages 0 months - 12 years
The Goddard School of Chicago - West LoopTHE GODDARD SCHOOL OF WEST LOOP
5.0CHICAGO · Ages 0 months - 6 years
Lakefront Children's AcademyLAKEFRONT CHILDREN'S ACADEMY
4.2CHICAGO · Ages 2 years - 12 years
Bright Horizons at Lakeshore EastBRIGHT HORIZONS AT LAKESHORE EAST
4.4CHICAGO · Ages 0 months - 5 years
Why parents love DropIn
Built for total peace of mind
From live updates to verified reviews, DropIn gives you everything to choose a center, stay in the loop, and drop off with confidence.
Follow your child's day, live
Photos, meals, naps, and activity updates land in your feed as they happen, with a full summary waiting at pickup.
New photo added
Sophia painted a butterfly · 2m ago
Lunch: ate everything
11:45 AM
Napped 12:30–2:00
Slept soundly
Safety checked at every drop-off
Allergies, medications, and who can pick up are verified before care begins.
Reviews you can trust
Real ratings and tags from verified parents, so you book with confidence.
Message the center directly
Ask a question or share instructions right in the app. No phone tag.
Change plans, money back fast
Reschedule or cancel in a tap. Refunds go straight to your DropIn wallet.
Clear pricing, one-tap pay
See the full price before you book, pay securely, and get an automatic receipt.
Children at daycare photo placeholder
What is Drop-In Childcare?
Drop-in childcare lets you book care at a licensed daycare center without long-term enrollment or contracts. Need a few hours while you work from home? An afternoon for a doctor's appointment? A full day when your regular sitter cancels?
DropIn connects you with licensed, inspected daycare centers that have open spots right now. You book online, drop off your child, and pick up when you're done. It's childcare that fits your life, not the other way around.
Learn MoreFor Childcare Centers
Turn Empty Spots Into Revenue
No listing fees. Get paid the same day. Join 39,000+ centers already on the DropIn network and start receiving bookings from parents in your area.
Find Centers Near You
Drop-In Daycare by City
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Drop-in childcare is flexible, on-demand care at a licensed daycare center without the need for long-term enrollment or contracts. You book when you need it (by the hour, half-day, or full day) and only pay for what you use.
Pricing varies by center, location, and duration. Each center sets its own rates, which are displayed upfront before you book. There are no hidden fees, so you see the total before confirming.
Yes. Every center on DropIn is state-licensed. We verify licensing credentials and display them on each center’s profile so you can book with confidence.
Absolutely. Many centers on DropIn accept same-day bookings. Just search for available spots near you, and you’ll see real-time availability including centers that have openings today.
You’ll use digital check-in with a QR code. No paperwork needed. Throughout the day, you’ll receive updates, photos, and activity logs from the center. When you’re ready, just pick up your child.
Yes. We use bank-level encryption to protect all personal and payment information. Child profiles, health records, and emergency contacts are only shared with the center where you’ve booked care.
Get the DropIn App
Search, book, and manage childcare from your phone. Real-time notifications, digital check-in, and instant receipts.