Flexible Child Care Solutions: Nurture With Care Kids Academy Launches Drop-In Program in Oak Harbor
In response to the growing demand for adaptable child care solutions, Nurture With Care Kids Academy has introduced a new drop-in child care program at its two Oak Harbor locations. Set to commence this month, the initiative aims to provide valuable support for parents seeking flexible child care options without the long-term commitment often associated with traditional daycare services.
The program is spearheaded by Ashish Batwara, the academy’s owner, alongside Nidhi Gupta, the director. Batwara identified a significant need for occasional child care on Whidbey Island through a survey conducted last year. The feedback from parents underscored a community longing for a service that accommodates erratic schedules, particularly for those balancing appointments, errands, or personal self-care days.
“Our drop-in program is designed for busy parents,” Batwara remarked. “We offer kid-free time, whether it’s for meetings, running errands, or just taking a much-needed break.” He noted the program’s relevance for single parents or those in the military whose schedules can often be unpredictable.
Recent studies reveal a pressing issue within the child care sector across Island County, where a marked decline in available child care providers has been detected. According to data from Child Care Aware of Washington, the capacity for children in local child care facilities decreased by nearly 50% from 2019 to 2023. In light of these concerns, the Island County Opportunity Council and the Center for Retention and Expansion of Child Care hosted a “Child Care World Café” to explore underlying issues and identify potential solutions.
The newly implemented drop-in program offers an economical solution for parents, allowing them to pay on a cash-only basis of per hour, with a minimum requirement of four hours. Children aged 12 months to 7 years can participate in currently scheduled classes, integrating seamlessly into the academy’s enriching environment.
“We want every child, including drop-in students, to experience the same safe and nurturing atmosphere as our full-time attendees,” Batwara explained. The academy’s early learning curriculum is centered around key developmental milestones and focuses on activities that promote growth through play. Furthermore, older children benefit from a structured before-and-after school program featuring core learning components, along with assistance with homework and recreational activities.
To ensure that drop-in children feel engaged and comfortable, the academy commits to providing additional support to the teaching staff during these hours. “When we have a drop-in child, we designate extra help to the teacher, making the experience smoother for everyone involved,” Batwara noted.
Given the positive response anticipated from the community, the owners are already considering expanding the program’s hours to include nights and weekends.
For more information regarding the drop-in program, interested parties can visit Nurture With Care Kids Academy’s official website at nurturewithcarekidsacademy.com/drop-in-care or contact the academy directly by calling or texting 360-682-8920 to reserve a spot.
