The Rise of Extreme Daycare

Almost 40 percent of Americans have “non-standard” work lives. This can mean anything from working overnight hours to juggling multiple part-time jobs to shift work that changes every week. As a result, 24 hour daycare centers, or “extreme daycares,” are becoming more common. These day cares have kids spending the night or dropped off or picked up after midnight.

Expanded workweeks and unpredictable hours are increasing. Those who live close to or below the poverty line are more likely to work these unusual schedules. More and more companies are now using data and algorithms to schedule employees to optimize productivity. These algorithms are not concerned if a shift falls in the middle of the night or that it could make life very hectic for families. Then there are professions like nursing, which is a fast growing job market, that require 24-hour staffing.

Read the full story from Alissa Quart to understand the need for extreme daycares and the family dynamics that result from it