Drop-in day care facility Ashley's Playhouse allows children to act on the movie stage, play in the treehouse, participate in arts and crafts, and stretch during morning yoga classes. Photo by Lyndsey Taylor[/caption] At drop-in day care facility Ashley's Playhouse, children can act on the movie stage, play in the treehouse, participate in arts and crafts, and stretch during morning yoga classes. Day care owner Ashley Pax opened the business in February 2014 and said she aims to create a magical experience for children who come in. While attending The University of Texas to study accounting, Pax worked as a nanny and discovered her love for playing with children. "I always knew that I wanted to do something that combined my business sense with my love for children," Pax said. "I heard about the drop-in [day care] concept, and as soon as I heard about it I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do." Drop-in day care facilities such as Ashley's Playhouse allow parents to drop off their children without advance notice. This business model creates flexibility for parents, especially for last-minute babysitting needs, Pax said. Each week and month has different themes for arts and crafts and movies, such as dinosaurs, mammals versus reptiles, family, friendship and Valentine's Day. Although the day care has more than 1,000 children enrolled, between 40 and 50 children visit the playhouse each day, she said. Ashley's Playhouse accommodates children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. In January, Pax began offering pick-up services from Live Oak and Spicewood elementary schools. The facility engages children of a variety of ages through activities such as reading, story time, outdoor play time and interactive games, which project a screen onto the floor for children to play on, Pax said. The business receives new games every few months, and favorite games are kept in stock. The day care provides three meals per day as well as snacks. Pax said employees follow a daily schedule but are flexible depending upon a child's needs. This summer, Pax hopes to offer pick-up services from local summer camps. She is also considering adding occasional field trips during the summer. "We want the kids to have fun here, and we want the parents to feel good about dropping off their kids here," she said. Jani Lovelace said she has been bringing her 4-year-old daughter, Lily, to Ashley's Playhouse since May. She said she appreciates the friendliness of the staff as well as the creative and interactive style of play the day care encourages. Lovelace said Pax is extremely accessible for questions, and staffers take extra time to cater to Lily's needs. "When I drop Lily off, I feel like she's going to a friends house rather than a day care," Lovelace said.

What is drop-in day care?

Parents do not need to notify Ashley's Playhouse in advance before coming in to drop off their child. Owner Ashley Pax said the drop-in day care format allows for flexibility in parents schedules. The day care's fingerprint identification system allows parents to check their children in and out of the playhouse.

Did you know?

• Ashley's Playhouse offers after-school pickup services from Live Oak and Spicewood elementary schools for $2.50 per child. Regular hourly fees for day care still apply.
• Hourly rates start at $10-$12.
• On Friday and Saturday nights, the business is open until midnight.
• Ashley's Playhouse has quarterly special events, including activities such as bounce houses, snacks and games.
• Three meals and snack times are provided each day.
• About 10 caregivers are on staff daily.
• Between 30 and 50 children visit Ashley's Playhouse each day.