As the days grow shorter, evening errands and school pick-ups start to happen in the dusky half-light between sunset and nightfall or in the dark. A little extra mindfulness during these seasonal changes can make a big difference.
A Season to Be More Aware
The end of daylight saving time shifts the clock back by just an hour, but it can throw off our daily rhythm more than we expect—right as families are adjusting to the busy back-to-school season. As families adjust to earlier sunsets and busier schedules, routines can feel rushed or out of sync. That’s why child care centers like KinderCare encourage families to take an extra moment for safety, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.
The Kindest Thing You Can Do: Don’t Hold the Door
Holding the door open for another parent might feel like the polite thing to do, but in a child care setting, safety takes priority. Secure entry systems are in place for a reason: to ensure that only authorized families and staff enter the building.
“Not holding the door might seem unfriendly, but it’s actually one of the most caring things you can do for the staff and children in the center,” says Melanie Buchele, District Leader for KinderCare Learning Centers, which has several new centers in the Denver area. “When each person uses their own door code or waits for staff to let them in, it keeps every child and teacher safe. It’s a small gesture that carries a lot of meaning.”
This kind of mindfulness is one of those behind-the-scenes habits that helps create a truly secure environment. It’s a quiet reminder that safety and kindness aren’t opposites; they work hand in hand.
Prepared for Every “What If”
Safety goes far beyond locked doors and keypads. Teachers and staff train year-round to respond to a wide variety of emergency situations, from fire drills to severe weather, building evacuations and shelter-in-place procedures. This kind of preparedness helps teachers confidently respond when something unexpected happens. It also helps children to stay calm in an emergency because they can see that their caregivers are prepared, not scared.
As the seasons change, so do the center safety routines that help keep children comfortable and healthy. Heating systems are tested, air filters changed, and classrooms are inspected to ensure a healthy, comfortable environment as temperatures drop.
“When parents choose a center, it’s important to look beyond the classroom decor or curriculum,” Buchele explains. “Ask about emergency training, safety drills, and maintenance routines. Those details tell you a lot about how deeply a program cares for its children and families.”
Security You Can Appreciate
In the rush of family life, it’s easy to see security features as small hassles: another code to remember, another door to buzz through. But they’re actually unsung heroes. At KinderCare, security measures like these help teachers safeguard what matters most: the children in their care.
As Buchele puts it, “When parents see a locked door or a keypad entry, they can take a deep breath and know that we’re prioritizing their child’s well-being in every moment.”
Safety Starts with Us All
Everyone plays a part in creating a secure, nurturing space for children to explore and learn, no matter how early the sun sets.
Because while the clocks may change, one thing never does: the shared promise to keep every child safe, cared for, and ready to shine, even after the sun goes down.