York Day Early Learning Unveils Innovative Twilight Care Program for Families with Non-Traditional Work Schedules
YORK, Pa. — Recognizing the unique demands of families that operate outside conventional work hours, York Day Early Learning launched its Twilight Care program on January 11, 2023. This new initiative provides overnight care for children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 7 years, effectively bridging the gap for families in need of childcare during non-traditional hours.
The inception of Twilight Care was a lengthy process, taking over a year to develop and implement, ensuring that the program meets the specific needs of working parents. “For families, the initial reaction is actually a bit of nervousness,” remarked Nakeya Smothers, the director of the Twilight Care program. “It’s rather uncommon for families to drop their children off at a center for overnight care.” Understanding this apprehension, the center has designed the overnight experience to mimic the comforts of home, replete with winding-down activities, a nutritious dinner, bedtime routines, and quiet sleeping arrangements.
Operating from Sunday through Thursday, this 24-hour program is aimed at accommodating parents’ diverse work schedules. Smothers emphasized the center’s dedication to ensuring parents feel at ease by stating, “Your babies are our babies, and we will do everything possible to make sure that you feel comfortable.” Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many parents reporting they feel reassured after observing the level of care their children receive, thus reducing initial concerns.
Mya Fabers-Quarles, the Center Director, noted that Twilight Care is a natural extension of York Day’s longstanding commitment to quality childcare. “We want to make sure that we’re providing quality childcare for parents, especially for those working second and third shifts,” Fabers-Quarles added.
York Day’s Executive Director, Sara Bradley, explained that the program was developed in direct response to feedback from families requiring flexibility beyond traditional daycare schedules. “We have kids that need to come in at 3 o’clock in the morning, and we have others that arrive at 5 in the evening and stay until 10:30 or midnight,” said Bradley. This adaptability underscores the organization’s commitment to serving the community’s evolving needs.
Additionally, Bradley highlighted the recent support from state initiatives aimed at bolstering the childcare workforce. The Pennsylvania Governor’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year includes a million funding increase, recognizing early learning professionals as essential workers. As a result of these efforts, 20 staff members at York Day are now eligible for a 0 bonus, a move that underscores the value placed on childcare providers.
Since its establishment in 1932, York Day Early Learning has continually evolved to meet the needs of York County families. With the introduction of Twilight Care, the organization is taking significant strides in providing comprehensive childcare solutions tailored to fit modern family dynamics, proving its commitment is not confined to the daylight hours but extends into the night, accommodating the realities of contemporary work schedules.
