I need a break! occasional childcare options in Vancouver
Okay, let’s get real. Snagging a daycare spot in Vancouver is like hitting the jackpot, and we all know it! So, if you’ve had to extend that maternity leave because you’re staring at a sea of ‘no vacancies’ signs, or you’ve decided to take a well-deserved career break to cherish those little moments with your family, you're not alone. Full-time kiddo wrangling can be a marathon of epic proportions, and guess what? You totally deserve a breather, mama!
Whether you’re itching to dive into some freelance gigs, take on exciting volunteer adventures, squeeze in a workout, or simply sip a quiet coffee solo, occasional childcare options around the city are here for you. They’re your ticket to a little self-care and a reminder that you matter, too! Go ahead, take that well-earned moment to focus on you!
the Drop in daycare: Buddings Daycare
Located near Knight & Kingsway, and with fantastic reviews in the community, Budding Children’s Garden & Daycare offers up to 40 hours per month of licensed, flexible care for children 18 mo. to kindergarten, and a Before and After School program for elementary school kids aged 5 – 12 years. Play a small monthly fee to access, and book online to save your spots. Lovely!
The coworking space: OneSpace
Located in East Vancouver, OneSpace is a women-founded and led facility that combines workspaces with childcare options. The Children’s Atelier at OneSpace provides childminding services for children who are walking stably up to 5 years old. Operating Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the Atelier offers both scheduled and hourly childminding programs. Parents must stay on site, but can utilize various workspaces, including hot desks, micro offices, private offices, or meeting rooms, while their children are cared for by trained Early Childhood Educators.
The community centre option: Hastings CC
The Family Drop-In at Hastings Community Centre offers one hour of childminding (for only $5!), from age 1 to 5. Parents must stay in the building, but gives you enough of a break to send some emails or get a workout in. Get in!
drop in at A family place: Eastside family place
Grab an annual membership ($30) and pre-register your child at Eastside Family Place, and you can access their licensed occasional childcare service, while you grab a coffee at Moja, or get in a workout or swim in at Britannia Community Centre. Childcare is available Monday - Friday 9:15 AM – 11:45 AM, for children aged 18 months to early 6 years. Your kiddo will get to do some arts & crafts, have a healthy snack, and participate in circle time, and won’t even know you’re gone! Hourly service charge is offered on a sliding scale from $7.00 to $8.00 per hour. For sibling add 50%.
Play Cafés with Childminding Services: Playsticity
New kid on the block (Fraser Street, to be exact), Plasticity offers 2 hour drop-off sessions for kids age 3-6 and 5 -9 in their unstructured, imagination-centered playspace. Caregiver participation sessions are also available so younger kids can also get in on the fun.
“You can love being a mom, and want a break from it all. Two things can be true.
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Once your kid hits 3, more options open up as classes and activities tend to be more drop off. Some freedom is in sight, my friend! In the meantime, team up with a friend and take turns to run out for an hour while you tag-team watching the kids. A quiet coffee or a quick workout class will clear those cobwebs, and allow you to return feeling a little more refreshed and like you. Your kid will be grateful!
The Vancouver Edit
The Vancouver Edit
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