Imagine playing dodgeball or watching the sunrise with a group of energetic preschoolers at 3 a.m. — sounds unconventional, right? But this is the reality for many families working the night shift, and it’s a lifeline they couldn’t do without. Let me take you behind the scenes of a 24-hour childcare world that most people never see—and why it’s more important than you might think.
My name is Amanda Yochum, and I’ve spent nearly 23 years with Bright Horizons, a childcare company that operates round-the-clock daycare centers in Indiana and Kentucky. As a regional manager, I oversee facilities located at Toyota manufacturing plants in Princeton, Indiana, and Georgetown, Kentucky. These centers aren’t just daycare—they’re a necessity for parents working the graveyard shift in a 24/7 industry. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some might question whether young children should be awake all night, for these families, it’s not just normal—it’s essential.
And this is the part most people miss: The night shift at our centers runs from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., and the routine is designed to mirror the daytime schedule as closely as possible. Children arrive half-asleep on their parents’ shoulders but quickly perk up to join friends in planned activities. Breakfast, outdoor play, learning projects, and even mindfulness sessions—it’s all part of the nighttime rhythm. Lunch is served around 10:30 p.m., followed by naps or quiet time, and then more play under the glow of stadium lights in the middle of a cornfield. Is this disrupting their natural sleep patterns? Or is it a practical solution for families with no other options?
Our centers cater to children as young as 7 weeks old up to kindergarten age. Many stay with us for years, adapting seamlessly to their parents’ schedules. We even help prepare them for the transition to traditional school hours by gradually adjusting their routines. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we doing enough to support families in non-traditional work schedules, or are we just patching over a larger societal issue?
What makes our program unique is its equity focus. Whether it’s Grandparents Day or outdoor play, we ensure night shift families don’t miss out on anything. The only difference? We swap sunscreen for bug spray. And let me tell you, being outside with the kids at night is magical—they love spotting deer, mice, and even the occasional coyote under the bright lights.
Our facilities are more than just childcare—they’re a lifeline. On-site doctors, therapists, dentists, and even family photographers ensure parents can manage everything in one place. But is this enough to address the challenges of working parents, or are we just scratching the surface?
As someone who still works nights occasionally (with the help of an extra Diet Coke), I’ve seen firsthand how this model works. My own experience as a parent of an autistic son who never slept well has prepared me for this kind of work. But I want to hear from you: Do you think 24-hour childcare is a necessity or a bandaid solution? Let’s start the conversation in the comments.
