its time for a Shift In The childcare industry
Welcome to The Essential Shift
At The Essential Shift, we are transforming childcare to meet the needs of today’s families. With changing schedules, alternating day and night demands, limited domestic support, and growing family budgets, we provide more than just flexible care—we provide a community of support.
We host monthly events, workshops, and parent activities, creating a network for first-time parents, single parents, essential workers, and any parent seeking connection and encouragement. Our goal is to be a trusted partner in raising children, offering care, guidance, and a community where families can thrive together.
Located in Joliet, just minutes from Saint Joseph’s and Silver Cross Hospitals.
The Essential Shift was designed for....
Essential workers and professionals who need reliable care outside traditional hours.
First-time parents and single parents looking for flexible care, community, and connection.
Parents struggling with sleep deprivation, helping maintain mental health, focus, and job retention.
Families who want more than childcare—a supportive network, educational enrichment, and a safe, nurturing environment for their children.
Sleep Deprivation
Open Nights (Infants & Toddler Support Available)
Sleep deprivation impacts mental health, decision-making, and overall well-being. The Essential Shift provides emergency overnight care and flexible, cost-effective sleep support, whether families need care during a crisis or just a few nights a week to recover, reset, and function safely.
Employment Production & Retention
Consistent sleep directly affects job performance, focus, emotional regulation, and long-term job retention. When parents are rested, they show up stronger—for their families, their employers, and their communities. Our care model supports workforce stability, productivity, and mental wellness for essential workers and nontraditional schedules.
A Reliable Alternative to In-Home Care
In-home caregivers are often expensive and can cancel without notice. The Essential Shift offers a dependable, licensed drop-off option with consistent staffing, structured routines, and overnight supervision—giving families peace of mind knowing care is available when they need it most.
Early Learning Toddler, Pre-K & Kindergarten Ages Welcomed!
Learning Through
Play is Life for Kids
Our care environment includes Montessori-style table activities designed to encourage independence, calm focus, and age-appropriate development. Toddlers and young children engage with books, art, music, coloring, and hands-on activities in a peaceful, structured setting.
Hands-on spaces encourage kids to explore and create.
We support independent thinking and real-world problem-solving.
Every day builds confidence, creativity, and a love of learning.
10+
Years of Experience
2K+
Communities to Be Impacted
25+
Families Involved
30+
Children Positivly Impacted
All Ages Welcome: 6 Weeks – 12 Years
Day Programs & Afterschool Support
At The Essential Shift, we welcome children from 6 weeks through 12 years old, offering a full spectrum of care to meet families’ needs. Our programs include daytime care, after-school support, and overnight options, providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment at all hours. Children of all ages enjoy age-appropriate Montessori-style learning, hands-on activities, outdoor play, and structured routines, while parents benefit from flexible scheduling, reliable care, homework help, and real-time updates through Bright wheel.
Children engage in creative activities that spark curiosity and build problem-solving skills.
We provide a safe, caring space where kids feel confident to express themselves and make new friends.
Every game, story, and activity is designed to inspire imagination while supporting early academic and social growth.
Join forces with 100+ Supporting Non-profit & Local Businesses in Will County
Why Choose Us
Because Your Child Deserves the Best Start in Life
We provide more than just childcare—we create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Our play-based programs balance fun, creativity, and education, giving every child the tools to grow with confidence and curiosity.
After-Hours Drop-In
Childcare for Real Life
Designed for today’s families with changing, overnight, and nontraditional schedules. We offer day, after-school, and overnight care—including short-term and emergency sleep support—so parents can rest, work, and recover.
Secure + Gated Facility in a Central Location Near Main Hospitals
Our program supports parental mental health, job retention, and family stability by addressing sleep deprivation—while children thrive in a safe, Montessori-inspired environment with certified caregivers and age-appropriate learning through play.
Reliable Care + Supportive Community
Unlike costly and often unpredictable in-home care, we provide consistent, drop-off care, easy enrollment and communication through Brightwheel, flexible payment options, and a welcoming community with monthly parent events and ongoing support.
Local Non-Profits & Local Business Owners are Welcome!
Discover. Imagine. Learn.
Ways To Get Involved
We welcome volunteers who want to support families through service, skills, or care.
Volunteer Roles Welcomed/ Include:
Childcare Volunteers - Flexible Schedules
Room rehabilitation - Restore & Create New Locations
Program and Event Volunteers - Community Engagement
Who Should Volunteer & Why Volunteer?
Local businesses looking to give back while gaining community exposure through volunteer recognition and social media highlights.
Retired Essential Workers who want to give back & build community.
College students studying early childhood education, healthcare, or social services who may need intern & volunteer hours.
Babies & Toddler's are Welcome!
Essential Shift's Program
Infant rooms are fully equipped with standard cribs, safe sleep practices, sleep logs, and feeding schedules, story-time, lullibies, infant & baby milestone play.
Toddler rooms include cozy, home-like spaces with Montessori table activities, books, music, arts & crafts, games, bike riding, age-appropriate outdoor activities and structured play before bedtime.
Parent updates are sent securely through the Bright Wheel portal, keeping families informed about sleep, feeding, and daily routines.
Childcare for Today’s Families—Because Budgeting & Flexibility Is Essential
Pricing Options Designed for Today’s Families
Drop-In 24 Hour Program / As-Needed Care | $12.50 per hour
This option is ideal for:
Parents with appointments, errands, events, or showings
Independent contractors & gig workers needing a few hours or days at a time with flexible options.
Families with a newborn or toddler needing 1–2 days of rest per week of sleep.
Essential and shift workers with schedule gaps or split shifts
Single parents prioritizing work, self-care, or mental health
Discounted Weekly Packages | 3-, 4- & 5-Day or Night Program Options
This option is ideal for:
Parents who are scheduled at least 3 days a week on a consistent basis.
Essential workers with recurring or rotating schedules.
Families seeking cost-effective, consistent & reliable care.
Testimonials
What Parents Are Saying
Parents trust us because they see real progress in their children. From stronger social skills to improved confidence and a genuine love for learning, here’s what families have to share.
“Very helpful with my son who needs extra support and love. He enjoys playing instruments and has a lot of fun. My son loves the people there!”
- Melody P.
"Jessica was an absolute blessing to my family! She cared for my five-month-old who struggled with colic since I've returned back to work at the hospital from maternity leave. It was a stressful time, but she significantly helped reduce my anxiety and stress. I know I could not have done it without this support!"
- Sydney C.
“I have two boys 20 months and 8 years. I needed support two days a week for a few months. I had 3 caregivers except the role then quite with no notice. This support was extremely helpful."
- Diane R.
"Finding care for our 2-month-old was extremely stressful. I highly recommend if you need childcare support that is reliable and not overpriced."
-Kelly P.
Why Choose Us
Frequently Asked Questions
The Essential Shift offers safe, flexible childcare designed for real life—day, after-school, and overnight. We support parents through changing schedules, newborn stages, and demanding work hours by providing reliable care that prioritizes sleep, mental health, and family stability. Whether you need occasional drop-in care, a few nights of rest, or consistent weekly support, we’re here when it matters most.
1. What age groups do you accept?
We welcome children from 6 months to 12 years, with programs tailored to each developmental stage for balanced growth and learning.
2. What is your learning philosophy?
We believe children learn best through play, curiosity, and imagination, combining creativity with structured guidance to build lifelong skills.
3. Are your volunteers & staff qualified?
Yes — all our early childhood professionals with years of experience nurturing confident, curious learners. With CPR First Aid & Required Education & Safety Certificates.
4. How do you ensure my child’s safety?
Safety is our top priority. We maintain secure gated facilities, check in software's, supervised home like environment, and trained staff to provide a safe, caring environment.
5. Do you provide meals and snacks?
We serve nutritious snacks, fruits & juices because of the nature of drop-in as needed care parents would need to pack a lunch or the necessary meals for the kiddo's day.
6. What makes your program different?
Our approach blends academic readiness with hands-on play, helping children learn through real-world experiences, not rote memorization. We offer quality flexible day and night childcare in standard home like environments with affordable pricing. Childcare for parents of today. The Essential Shift.
7. How do you communicate with parents?
We share weekly updates, photos, and progress reports, and our teachers are available for discussions or feedback.
8. How can I enroll my child?
Simply visit our Contact page click the enroll button. We use Bright Wheel for enrollment, operations, and payment plans. Once you click enroll fill out the general contact form, we will then send the rest of the forms needed to secure your care!
9. How do payments work?
Simply! Depending on as-needed drop-in care (Depending on availability). Once your account is set up, and forms are completed you would just message through the app to secure and check availability for drop-in care. You can pay through the app with your preferred card saved on file. For discounted care options we have autopay preferred for parents who need to make sure their shift is available at the most affordable pricing. Auto payments can be monthly or bi-weekly dates are the 1st and the 15th.
10. How can I learn more about events mom groups & community events coming up?
Simple. Just fill out a contact form and include what you are interested in, upcoming events, joining mom groups, volunteering a skill or night of sleep, referring a family, local business would like to help etc.
Childcare for Today’s Families. Sleep Is Essential. Schedules change. Support Is Here.
The Essential Shift offers safe, flexible childcare designed for real life—day, after-school, and overnight. Whether you need occasional drop-in care, a few nights of rest, or consistent weekly support, we’re here when it matters most.
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