Finding child care when you work weekends starts with one question: which days does the centre actually open its doors? After that, look for the same rooms, routine and staff your child knows from the week, so a Saturday feels like any other day.
Start with the days, not the brochure
Many centres say they are flexible, then close Friday evening. Before anything else, ask which days and which buildings are open. At Nana's, Northern is open 5 AM to midnight every day and 43rd Ave is open 24 hours Monday through Saturday — see weekend daycare in Glendale.
weekend daycare in Glendale →Keep the routine the same
Children handle a weekend shift best when the day looks familiar: the same arrival, the same meals, the same nap. Ask whether weekend days follow the weekday routine or a reduced one, and whether your child stays with their own age group.
Plan the hand-offs
- ✓Write down who drops off and who picks up on each weekend day.
- ✓Keep a spare bag packed: a change of clothes, a jacket, a blanket and pillow for nap.
- ✓Tell the centre about any change to your schedule in writing, early.
Ask about help paying
If you use child care assistance, check whether weekend hours count. For DES families at Nana's, assistance is based on the hours you work, and weekend hours qualify.
Talk to your child about the weekend plan
Children cope better when they know what is coming. The night before, tell them who will drop them off, what they will do, and who will pick them up. Keep it short and cheerful. A picture calendar on the fridge helps younger children see which days are centre days and which are home days.
Protect one family day
If you work most weekends, choose one day off and keep it for the family as often as you can. A regular family day makes weekend care feel like part of a routine rather than a sacrifice.
Visit on the day you will use it
A Saturday visit shows you the weekend team, the weekend room and the weekend pace. That tells you more than a weekday tour.
Frequently asked questions
Do weekend daycares follow the same routine as weekdays?
It depends on the centre — ask. At Nana's, weekend care uses the same programs and age-group rooms as the week.