Is after hours child care right for your family?

Is after hours child care right for your family?

Life can be unpredictable. Work shifts can change, meetings can run late, and sometimes support from family or friends isn’t always there when you need it. That’s where after hours child care comes in.

But how do you know if it’s the right choice for your family?

In this blog, we’ll go over some signs that after hours child care might be helpful, what to think about when choosing a provider, and how the right care can take pressure off your day-to-day life.

Kaleidoscope Kids Redbank daycare

What is after hours child care?

After hours child care is any care that happens outside the usual 9am–5pm schedule. It might include early mornings, evenings, nights, or even weekends.

At Kaleidoscope Kids Redbank, for example, we offer care 24 hours a day from Monday 6am to Saturday 6am. This gives families more flexibility to get the care they need, when they actually need it.

Signs your family might need after hours care

Every family is different, but here are some common situations where after hours child care can help.

1. You or your partner work shifts
If one or both parents are shift workers, like nurses, paramedics, retail workers, or factory staff, your hours probably don’t match regular daycare times. After hours child care gives you peace of mind knowing your child is safe and cared for during early starts, late finishes, or overnight shifts.

2. Your job runs late or starts early
Even if you’re not a shift worker, some jobs simply don’t stick to the clock. Maybe you’ve got early meetings, travel time, or work that runs over. After hours child care means you don’t have to race the clock or feel rushed trying to pick up your child on time.

3. Limited family support
Not everyone has a big support network close by. If you don’t have grandparents, friends, or others who can step in when needed, after hours child care can fill that gap. It gives you a reliable option that’s always there.

4. You’re feeling stretched
If you’re juggling work, home, and parenting with very little time to breathe, after hours child care could help bring some balance back. It doesn’t have to be every day, some families just use it once or twice a week for extra breathing room.

What to look for in an after hours child care provider

Not all centres offer after hours child care, and those that do might run things a little differently. Here are some things to think about when choosing the right place:

1. Hours that suit your needs
Check that the centre’s hours line up with your work schedule. At Kaleidoscope Kids Redbank, for example, we’re open 24/6, meaning full-day, overnight, and early morning care is available every day except Sunday.

2. Qualified, caring educators
Your child’s safety and happiness come first. Ask about who will be caring for your child during after hours care. Are they trained? Are there always at least two staff members present? At our Redbank centre, we make sure qualified, caring educators are always on hand.

3. A calm and safe sleep environment
If your child is staying overnight, ask about sleep spaces. They should be clean, quiet, and comfortable. At our centre, we provide cosy sleep areas with soft lighting, warm bedding, and calm routines to help children settle.

4. Healthy meals and snacks
Does the centre offer dinner, breakfast, or snacks? You shouldn’t have to worry about packing meals for overnight care. We provide all meals — including dinner and breakfast — so your child is well fed during their stay.

5. Consistent routines
Look for a centre that follows routines similar to yours at home. Kids feel more settled when they know what to expect. We talk to parents to learn each child’s habits and keep things familiar.

6. Open communication
It’s important to feel comfortable asking questions and getting updates. Our team stays in touch with families, gives sleep and behaviour updates, and is always happy to chat if you have questions.

How often can you use after hours care?

That’s totally up to you. Some families use after hours child care regularly, every evening, or a few overnights a week. Others use it now and then, when shifts change or something comes up.

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You might use daytime care during the week and after hours child care for one or two nights when your work hours don’t line up.

We try to be flexible and work with your family’s changing needs.

Helping your child settle into after hours care

Starting any kind of child care can feel like a big step, for both parents and kids. After hours child care is no different.

Here are a few tips to help things go smoothly:

• Visit first: Come in with your child before their first session so they can explore the space and meet the team.

• Bring something familiar: A favourite toy, blanket, or dummy can help with comfort and sleep.

• Share routines: Let educators know your child’s usual sleep time, favourite lullaby, or how they like to be settled.

• Start small: If you’re unsure, start with shorter sessions to ease into it.

• Keep talking: We’re here to listen. Let us know how things are going and if there’s anything we can do to help your child feel more settled.

Why families choose Kaleidoscope Kids Redbank

At Kaleidoscope Kids Redbank, we’re proud to be one of the only centres in the area offering true after hours child care — including overnight care.

We know life doesn’t stop after 5pm, and neither do we.

• We’re open 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday

• We care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years

• We provide meals, nappies, wipes, sunscreen, and sleep comforts

• Our educators are warm, experienced, and ready to help your child feel safe

Want to see for yourself? We’d love to meet you. Book a tour by calling 07 3450 9100 or emailing redbank@kkids.com.au.

Kaleidoscope Kids Redbank Gallery

There’s no one “right” way to raise a family. Some parents work days, some work nights. Some have help nearby, some don’t. If you’ve been thinking about after-hours child care, it might be just what your family needs.

The most important thing is finding care that works for you, care that’s flexible, loving, and understands your child.

At Kaleidoscope Kids Redbank, we’re here to support you and your family, no matter the hour.

Let us know if you’d like to learn more or come in for a look around. We’re always happy to help.