Flexible Childcare
For Every Kind Of Day

 

Childcare should fit your life—not the other way around. At Recess, you can lock in a consistent full-day schedule (like 8am–4pm, 2 to 5 days a week—including weekends), or keep it flexible and book care by the hour whenever you need it. Use Recess for the unexpected, or build a weekly routine—we’re here 7 days a week, for every type of day and every kind of family.

What We Offer

flexcare image

FlexCare™

On-demand care by the hour

Flexible, on-demand childcare—with zero commitment. Whether it’s one hour or ten, FlexCare gives you access to high-quality care whenever you need it—7 days a week. You’ll pay a simple monthly membership, then load your account with funds to book care by the hour through our app. No long-term schedules, no last-minute panic. Just support that flexes with your needs.

Enrichment Classes

Full-Day Care

Your weekly schedule, covered

Full-day care 2–5 days a week—including Saturdays. Looking for a consistent routine? Our full-day care program lets you lock in a static schedule (8am–4pm) for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week—with optional weekend days available. You’ll also get a free FlexCare membership included, so you can add hours on-demand when life gets busy. It’s structure and flexibility, all in one place.

Event Space

Classes

Enrichment for kids + parents

Creative, calming, and community-building classes. From art, STEM, and mindfulness for kids to prenatal and postnatal workshops for parents, our classes are designed to support the whole family. Led by passionate instructors and thoughtfully scheduled throughout the week, these sessions are a chance to connect, grow, and recharge—together.

where excellence meets innovation

Where Excellence
Meets Innovation

At Recess, we’re redefining what childcare can be with our unique approach that caters to the needs of modern families. Our model is built on the foundation of flexibility, quality, and innovation, ensuring that every family receives the personalized care and enrichment they deserve.

Redefining Childcare for Modern Families

A Model Crafted for You

Our membership-based model is designed to meet your family where you are. Whether you need a consistent weekly schedule or care on-the-fly, we make it easy. Lock in full-day care 2–5 days a week, or use FlexCare to book by the hour—no long-term commitment required. Every option includes access to enriching classes and a space built for kids to learn, play, and thrive.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities are more than just spaces; they’re environments where imagination and safety converge. Each center is equipped with the latest in learning technologies, creative play areas, and rigorous security measures, ensuring a setting that’s not only innovative but also deeply nurturing. Discover places where children thrive and parents find peace of mind.

The Recess Member App

Our proprietary mobile app revolutionizes how members access childcare, offering effortless booking at any of our locations with just a few taps. Designed for busy families, the app provides real-time availability, secure payment options, and detailed information about our services, making managing your childcare needs simpler than ever.

Growing Network of Locations

Our growing network of locations across Philadelphia is a testament to our commitment to accessible, top-quality childcare. Each new center is carefully chosen to ensure convenience and community integration, expanding our reach to support more families. With Recess, exceptional on-demand childcare is always just around the corner.

Recess App

Simplifying Your Life, One Day at a Time

In the fast-paced world of parenting, finding a childcare solution that truly understands and meets your needs can be a game-changer. At Recess, we’re dedicated to providing more than just childcare; we offer peace of mind and a helping hand in your family’s daily life.

Time-Saving and Stress-Reducing

Time-Saving and Stress-Reducing

Quality childcare on your terms, effortlessly integrated into your life.

Assurance of Quality Care and Enrichment

Assurance of Quality Care and Enrichment

Where care meets enrichment, led by passionate professionals.

Convenience at<br />
Your Fingertips

Convenience at Your Fingertips

Book, view, and pay in a tap, freeing your time with our app.

Unmatched Flexibility

Unmatched Flexibility

Flexible childcare with peace of mind: Recess has you covered.

Facility & Staff

Where Every Day is<br />
an Adventure

Where Every Day is
an Adventure

We believe that every child deserves a place where they can explore, learn, and grow in an environment that feels as warm and welcoming as home. Our approach is centered around creating a vibrant world of opportunities for your child, ensuring their time with us is not just well-spent but cherished.

Fun and Engaging

Fun and Engaging

Where sophistication meets playfulness, creating a safe, nurturing environment where joy and curiosity flourish.

Diverse Activities

Diverse Activities

From arts and crafts to science experiments, our thoughtfully designed activities promote holistic development.

Social Playground

Social Playground

A diverse community fostering lifelong skills of friendship, cooperation, and empathy.

Tailored Supportive Care

Tailored Supportive Care

Our dedicated staff understands and caters to your child’s individual needs and interests, providing personalized care

FAQ

How much does Recess cost?

It depends on how much care you need and how you use Recess. FlexCare is our most flexible option, with hourly rates designed to align with the average cost of a trusted babysitter. You’ll pay a monthly membership and load your account with funds to use whenever you need care—by the hour, 7 days a week.

Our full-day care program offers a more structured schedule (2–5 days per week) and is premium priced to reflect the quality of our Montessori- and Bank Street–inspired curriculum, small group environment, and highly trained staff.

No matter how you use Recess, you’ll get thoughtfully designed, high-quality care that meets your family where you are. For detailed pricing, visit our application page.

Can I schedule time for my child even if I’m not a member?

Membership is required to use Recess. As a small-class premium service we have limited memberships available to keep the group size small and ensure maximum fun and safety for everyone.

How can I become a member?

To become a Recess member, start by submitting a brief application. Once we receive it, our team will review your family’s care needs and scheduling preferences. Whether you’re looking for a consistent full-day schedule, flexible hourly care, or a mix of both, we’ll work with you to determine the best fit. If there’s alignment, you’ll receive an enrollment agreement to finalize your membership and start booking care.

What ages do you accept?

We care for children from 6 weeks up to 6 years old in our full-day programs. For families using FlexCare, we can accommodate children up to 9 years old for short-term, drop-in care—including evenings and weekends.

Please note: we do not offer formal kindergarten or elementary education, and do not provide full-day care for school-aged children. However, older kids are welcome to join us for hourly care when school is out, after hours, or on weekends.

How many children are in a class together?

Recess is a small group child care option with no more than twelve 12 children in the facility at any time.

Can I just drop in with my children any time of day?

All care at Recess must be booked in advance through our app—we don’t allow unscheduled drop-ins. While FlexCare is designed to be flexible, we recommend booking as early as possible, ideally at least 24 hours in advance, to ensure availability.

Same-day bookings may be available depending on staffing and capacity, but advanced planning helps us deliver the safest, highest-quality care for your child.

How do I schedule time for my child?

If you’re enrolling in full-day care, our team will work with you during the application process to lock in a consistent weekly schedule—anywhere from 2 to 5 days per week, including optional weekends. Once confirmed, your schedule is reserved and guaranteed.

If you’re using FlexCare, you’ll book hourly care directly through our mobile app. Simply choose the day, time, and duration (from 1 to 10 hours), and you’re all set. While same-day care is sometimes available, we recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.

Either way, scheduling is easy—and designed to fit your life.

Can my child stay the entire day?

Yes! If you’re enrolled in our full-day care program, your child can stay for a full day—typically from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM—on the days you’ve scheduled.

If you’re using FlexCare, you can book up to 10 hours of care per day, depending on availability. Whether you need a quick drop-off or a full day of support, Recess offers the flexibility to meet your family’s needs.

Is Recess a daycare or a learning center?

Recess is neither a traditional daycare nor a conventional learning center—we’re something new. Our approach blends the best of Montessori, Bank Street, and Reggio Emilia philosophies, but goes beyond them to meet the needs of today’s world.

We focus on helping children develop the adaptability, creativity, and emotional intelligence they’ll need for the future. Whether they’re with us for a full day or just a few hours, every moment at Recess is designed to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and support whole-child growth.

What if I’m running early or late for pickup?

We get it—life happens. If you’re running early or late, your FlexCare balance can be used to cover additional time, as long as we have availability and stay within licensing limits.

Please note: per state regulations, children may not be in care for more than 10 hours per day, and we often have back-to-back bookings that must stay within strict ratios. To keep things running smoothly for all families, we kindly ask that you arrive as close to your scheduled time as possible.

If late pickups become frequent, we may need to reassess your membership to ensure it’s still a good fit—for you, your child, and our community.

How many Recess locations are there?

We currently have two Recess locations: one designed for children ages 2 and up, and another dedicated to infants and toddlers under age 2.

We’re actively scouting additional spaces and expect to open more locations soon to better serve families across the city. Stay tuned—Recess is growing with you!

What type of safety and security measures do you offer at Recess?

The facility is under constant video monitoring to ensure the safety of our children and the trust of our parents. All surfaces are disinfected daily, and all staff have at least four years of child care expertise, safety and medical certification, and behavioral training. There are robust systems and processes in place to ensure the safety of your children.