Why I Play Dodgeball with Preschoolers at 3 a.m.

Engaging in dodgeball with preschoolers at 3 a.m. might sound unusual, but for Amanda Yochum, it’s a rewarding routine. As the regional manager of Bright Horizons, which operates 24-hour daycare centers, she faces unique challenges and joys each night in Indiana and Kentucky.

Importance of 24-Hour Daycare Services

Bright Horizons offers essential childcare services near Toyota’s manufacturing plants in Princeton, Indiana, and Georgetown, Kentucky. These plants operate 24/7, making reliable childcare vital for shift workers.

• Princeton Daycare Enrollment: 164 children during the day, 44 at night.
• Georgetown Daycare Enrollment: 159 children during the day, 32 at night.
• Saturday Services: Approximately 25 children during the day and around 20 at night.

A Nightly Routine

The night shift at the facilities runs from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. When parents drop off their children, many are still waking up from their sleep. However, excitement takes over quickly as kids are eager to engage with friends.

Activities are well-planned to ease their transition. After settling in, they enjoy free play and organized activities. The schedule mimics the daytime routine, ensuring children don’t miss out due to their parents’ working hours.

Curriculum and Activities

Children partake in various fun and educational activities throughout the night. They start with breakfast before heading outside to play. A typical evening involves:

• Breakfast followed by outdoor play.
• Structured learning and engaging projects.
• A break for lunch around 10:30 p.m., followed by naptime or quiet activities.
• Mindfulness programming to foster relaxation.
• Evening snacks and more learning before heading home.

Yochum emphasizes safety, explaining that their center is located in a secured area surrounded by a cornfield, with stadium lighting keeping the environment bright during nighttime hours.

Supporting Families

The daycare accommodates children from as young as 7 weeks until they enter kindergarten. Many families find that their babies adapt nicely to a night schedule. Although there are no plans to extend the program to include kindergarten, Bright Horizons provides ample support for families transitioning to standard schooling hours.

Before their children start kindergarten, families often prepare by taking a week off to adjust to a new schedule. Yochum acknowledges the challenges that parents face with shift work and emphasizes the need for flexible, reliable childcare.

Healthcare and Support Services

Bright Horizons also prioritizes the health and well-being of the children. On-site services for families include:

• Regular visits from healthcare professionals for developmental screenings.
• Access to occupational, speech, and emotional therapy.
• Scheduled visits from optometrists and dentists.

A Manager’s Perspective

Even in her managerial role, Yochum participates in night shifts, enjoying the dynamic atmosphere of the center. She understands the importance of maintaining a work-life balance for working parents.

Through innovative childcare solutions, Bright Horizons has successfully addressed the needs of working families, creating an environment where children play dodgeball at 3 a.m. and thrive despite unconventional schedules.