Ages & Daily Experience | Poppins On-Demand Childcare

what your child's visit looks like

A step-by-step look at the Poppins experience from arrival to pickup.

Every child’s visit at Poppins is a little different depending on their age, personality, and how long they stay. Some children come for a short midday break, while others spend an evening playing while parents enjoy time out.

Our goal is always the same: to create a safe, engaging environment where children can play, explore, and feel comfortable while their parents are away.

Check Availability

Arrival & Sign-In

Online Check-In (before you arrive)

Within 24 hours of your scheduled visit, you’ll receive a secure check-in link via email. This quick form allows you to share everything we need to care for your child thoughtfully - from health information and allergies to nap timing, feeding instructions, potty needs, and comfort items.

Once completed, you’ll receive a unique door code for your child’s visit, giving you access to the secure Poppins play space upon arrival.

Arrival & Secure Entry

When you arrive, you’ll enter through the lobby and use your personalized code to access the play space. This system allows us to maintain a secure environment while keeping your arrival smooth and efficient.

In-Person Check-In

After entering, you’ll walk your child into the space and help them wash their hands to start their visit.

A caregiver will greet you, pull up your child’s check-in details, and confirm important information with you in real time - ensuring nothing is missed and your child’s needs are fully understood for the day.

Sign-In & Getting Settled

With support from a caregiver, you’ll sign your child in using a provided tablet.

Your child will then receive a color-coded bracelet based on their age group, helping our team maintain proper ratios and supervision throughout the space.

Transition to Play

Children are welcomed into the play space at their own pace. Caregivers will gently guide them toward toys, activities, and new friends, while you take a moment to help them feel comfortable before heading out.

Our goal is a transition that feels calm, supported, and just right - for both you and your child.

Play & Activities

A Play-Based Approach

At Poppins, play is at the heart of everything we do. Our environment is designed to encourage creativity, curiosity, and connection - giving children the freedom to explore while being supported by attentive caregivers every step of the way.

A Mix of Guided & Independent Play

Children move between a balance of child-led exploration and caregiver-guided activities throughout their visit. This may include crafts, sensory play, imaginative play, games, and movement-based activities.

Caregivers introduce options and gently guide participation, while always respecting each child’s interests, comfort level, and pace.

Thoughtfully Designed Play Spaces

Our space is organized into clearly defined areas to support different types of play - active, creative, quiet, and rest. This allows children to transition naturally between activities while caregivers maintain clear visibility and supervision at all times.

Age-Appropriate Experiences

Activities and materials are selected with each child’s age and stage in mind. From infants to older children, every child has access to safe, engaging options that support development, independence, and confidence.

Flexible Structure, Not a Rigid Schedule

Because Poppins is designed for hourly care, our days are intentionally flexible. Rather than following a strict classroom schedule, we create a rhythm to the day that allows children to join in, transition smoothly, and feel comfortable - no matter what time they arrive.

Always Supervised, Always Supported

Caregivers are actively engaged in the space - facilitating play, supporting social interactions, and ensuring every child is seen, guided, and included. Supervision is continuous, proactive, and aligned with required caregiver-to-child ratios at all times.

Infant & Toddler Care

Individualized, Responsive Care

Our youngest children receive care that is fully tailored to their individual needs. Using the information you provide during online check-in, caregivers follow each child’s routine as closely as possible - supporting feeding, sleep, diapering, and comfort with consistency and care.

Safe, Dedicated Spaces

Infants and toddlers are cared for in a designated area designed specifically for their age group, with age-appropriate materials and clear separation from more active play. This allows for focused supervision, safe exploration, and a calmer environment for little ones.

Feeding & Comfort Routines

Whether your child is formula-fed, breastmilk-fed, or eating solids, caregivers follow your instructions closely. Feedings are handled one-on-one, with attention to safety, positioning, and your child’s cues.

Comfort items, pacifiers, and familiar routines are always welcomed to help your child feel secure and supported.

Diapering & Hygiene

Diapering is completed regularly and as needed throughout your child’s visit, following strict sanitation and hygiene protocols. Caregivers prioritize cleanliness, safety, and comfort during every change.

Safe Sleep Practices

All infant sleep follows safe sleep guidelines and state regulations. Infants are placed on their backs in a safe sleep environment, free from loose items. Sleep timing is guided by your child’s routine and cues shared during check-in.

Gentle Transitions & Extra Support

We understand that separation can feel big for little ones (and their parents). Caregivers provide extra attention during drop-off, offering comfort, engagement, and a gradual transition into the space.

Close Supervision at All Times

Infants and toddlers receive continuous, attentive supervision, with caregiver-to-child ratios maintained at all times. Every child is closely monitored, supported, and responded to with care.

You can feel confident knowing your child is safe, supported, and in caring, capable hands.

Meals & Rest

Meals & Snacks

Meals and snacks are offered at structured times throughout the day, helping create a sense of consistency and routine for children.

Families may choose to pre-purchase meals during booking or send food from home. All food is handled in accordance with safety guidelines, and caregivers remain attentive to allergies and dietary needs shared during check-in.

If a child is hungry outside of scheduled meal or snack times, we’re always happy to support them - because we know hunger doesn’t always follow a schedule.

Infant Feeding

For infants, caregivers follow your specific feeding instructions closely - including bottles, breastmilk, formula, or baby food. Feedings are handled one-on-one, with attention to safety, positioning, and your child’s cues.

A Calm Approach to Rest

Because children arrive at different times, rest is guided by individual needs rather than a rigid group schedule. Children who need rest are provided with a calm, comfortable space to recharge. All children will be given the opportunity for rest & quiet time directly after lunch.

Safe Sleep Practices

All sleep follows safe sleep guidelines and state requirements. Infants are always placed on their backs in a safe sleep environment, and caregivers actively monitor children during rest periods.

Comfort & Familiar Items

We encourage families to send comfort items such as sleep sacks, pacifiers, or small blankets (when age-appropriate) to help children feel secure and settled during rest time.

Attentive Supervision Throughout

Whether children are eating, resting, or transitioning between activities, caregivers remain actively engaged - ensuring safety, comfort, and support at all times.

Pickup & Check-Out

A Smooth, Secure Goodbye

Pickup at Poppins is designed to be just as thoughtful and secure as drop-off - so you can leave feeling confident every step of the way.

Authorized Pickup Only

For your child’s safety, only individuals listed as authorized pickup contacts in your account may pick up your child. Pickup persons must bring ID for the caregiver to verify at checkout.

If plans change, authorized pickups can be updated in through your check-in form or by contacting our team through email or text message.

Arrival & Entry

Upon arrival, you’ll use your unique door code to enter the secure play space, just as you did at drop-off.

Check-out Process

Make your way to the play space, and a caregiver will meet you to share any important updates from your child's visit - such as meals, rest, activities, or notable moments.

With caregiver support, you’ll complete the check-out process on the provided tablet, ensuring your child is officially signed out of our care.

Personal Belongings

Caregivers will help gather your child’s belongings, including any items brought from home, so nothing gets left behind.

End-of-Day Connections

We believe pickup is an important moment of connection. Our team takes time to share highlights from your child’s visit so you leave feeling informed, reassured, and connected to their experience.

From hello to goodbye, every part of your child’s visit is handled with care, clarity, and intention.

What to Bring

Infants

Bottle, Formula, or Breastmilk - properly stored and labeled with your child's name
Baby food (if applicable)
Sleep sack and/or pacifier (if used)
Diapers and wipes
Extra set of clothes
Socks
Comfort items if needed

Toddlers

Bottles, formula, breastmilk (if applicable)
Sleep sack and/or pacifier (if used)
Diapers and wipes
Extra set of clothes
Grip socks
Comfort items if needed
Packed meals (if not purchasing)

Preschool-Age Children (2-5 years old)

Diapers and wipes (if used)
Extra underwear (if potty trained/potty training)
Extra set of clothes
Grip socks required 2-3 year old children, older children may wear regular socks if they prefer
Comfort items if needed
Packed meals (if not purchasing)

School-Age Children (5-12 years old)

Socks
Packed meals (if not purchasing)

Medication or Special Circumstances

Helping us care for your child exactly how they need

If your child requires medication or has specific needs during their visit, we’re here to support them - safely and thoughtfully.

If Bringing Medication

Medication must be provided by a parent/guardian
Must be in its original container with clear labeling
A medication authorization form must be completed prior to care
All administration follows state childcare guidelines

Special Instructions

You’ll have the opportunity to share detailed notes during your online check-in
This can include:
- Allergy information
- Feeding or dietary needs
- Sleep routines
- Behavioral or sensory considerations
- Any additional care instructions

Important Note

For the safety of all children, we are not able to administer medication or provide specialized care without proper documentation and instructions.

Common Examples
We are able to support children with needs such as:

EpiPen or allergy emergency medication
Inhalers for asthma or breathing support
Prescription medications that need to be administered during care
Over-the-counter medications (when properly authorized)
Topical creams or ointments (for diapering or skin needs)