Drop-In Child Care in McAllen: How It Works at Edutainment Zone La Plaza Mall
- Edutainment Zone
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Do you ever wish you had a nanny on-call—just for those days when your schedule changes or your usual plan falls through?
At Edutainment Zone La Plaza Mall in McAllen, we offer something even better: a licensed child care center that’s flexible, secure, and built around your family’s real-life schedule. Whether you need a few hours or a full day, our drop-in care gives your child access to a nurturing early learning environment—only when you need it.
What Is Drop-In Child Care?
Drop-in care means you only pay when your child attends. There are no long-term
contracts or weekly tuition plans—you choose
the days or hours that work best for you.
This option is ideal for:
Parents with irregular or rotating work hours
College students balancing class schedules
Families not ready for full-time care
Anyone wanting their child in a high-quality early learning setting on their own terms
It’s like having reliable child care on demand—in a licensed, professional environment right here in McAllen.
Your Guide to Drop-In Child Care in McAllen at Edutainment Zone
We make the process as smooth as possible for busy families across McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley:
Step 1: Reach Out
Want to know more? Schedule a call and we’ll answer all your questions or help you schedule your first visit.
Step 2: Register in Advance
Complete our quick enrollment forms ahead of time to make check-in faster. That way, when you drop off, it’s as easy and efficient as possible. Register here.
Step 3: Drop Off Easily
We have a private back entrance inside La Plaza Mall, so you can skip the crowds and get straight to us. It’s fast, secure, and designed for your convenience.
Flexible Hours for Real-Life Schedules
We’re open 7 days a week, with extended hours to support busy work and school routines:
Monday–Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Holiday Hours: When La Plaza Mall extends its hours during holidays, we extend ours too, so you can count on us during the busiest seasons of the year.
Pricing That Fits Your Needs
Choose what works best:
$45 per day (3+ hours)
$15 per hour (great for shorter stays)
You can switch between hourly or daily rates anytime, and we often run special promotions and event pricing throughout the year.
Student Discount: Families who attend regularly—even part-time—may be eligible for a discounted rate. Ask us about our flexible pricing options for returning families!
We're a Licensed CCS Provider
We are proud to be an eligible CCS provider. That means if your family qualifies for the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services (CCS) subsidy, you can use your benefits at Edutainment Zone.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, reach out—we’re happy to help walk you through the process or provide a referral to the correct agency.
Federal Employees May Qualify for Additional Assistance
Are you a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer or federal employee working in South Texas?You may qualify for child care subsidy programs that can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Contact us for help determining your eligibility—we’re here to support working families in McAllen and across the Valley.
Yes, Even Drop-In Includes Learning
Drop-in care at Edutainment Zone isn’t just babysitting—it’s an enriching, play-based learning experience. Every child receives the same level of attention and developmental support as our full-time students.
Here’s what’s included:
Spanish immersion in songs, circle time, and classroom language
Hands-on curriculum based on the Experience Early Learning system
Access to our weekly lesson plans so parents can stay involved
Social-emotional learning, creativity, and active play every day
We believe that every visit—no matter how short—is an opportunity for growth.
Safety You Can Trust
Your child’s safety is our top priority. That’s why:
We are a licensed child care center monitored by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
We meet or exceed Texas minimum standards for early care and education
We use an access control system to ensure only authorized caregivers and staff can enter
Our staff is trained in supervision, emergency procedures, and developmentally appropriate practice
Peace of mind matters—and you can feel confident when your child is with us.
Ready to Try Drop-In Care?
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just need occasional support—Edutainment Zone La Plaza Mall is here when you need us most.
Call us today to schedule a visit or get started with registration.Let us be your child’s second home—safe, enriching, and always on your schedule.
*A Note About Infant Drop-In Care
We’re happy to offer drop-in care for infants, but please note that infant care requires very specific teacher-to-child ratios under Texas licensing regulations.
To ensure a safe and nurturing experience for your baby, we ask that families with infants (defined as children under 18 months of age) send a quick message, call, or text the day before their planned visit. This helps us make sure we have the proper staffing in place to meet state guidelines and give your child the one-on-one care they deserve.
