Irish Mum Launches App to Transform After-School Childcare

Working parents often face significant challenges in securing reliable after-school childcare. This issue resonated deeply with Mia Shepherd, a mother from Wicklow, Ireland, who struggled to balance her career with family responsibilities. With no straightforward way to connect with other parents for childcare support, she decided to take action. Four months ago, Shepherd launched PlayDayz, an innovative app aimed at making childcare more affordable, accessible, and community-oriented.

Since its inception, PlayDayz has gained considerable traction across Ireland. The app serves as the country’s first platform dedicated to facilitating parent meet-ups, playdates, and shared childcare arrangements. According to the company’s website, “What began as a simple idea to make childcare more community-driven has already blossomed into a supportive network of families helping one another.”

PlayDayz was developed in collaboration with an award-winning Irish software firm, ensuring a user-friendly experience for parents. The app has quickly become popular, with hundreds of downloads and users embracing its features to not only find childcare solutions but also to foster friendships.

Features of PlayDayz

PlayDayz offers several practical functionalities that cater to the needs of parents:

Local Playdates allow parents to set up gatherings by simply entering details into the app. Whether it’s a trip to the park or a coffee morning, nearby parents receive instant notifications and can choose to join. This feature has successfully facilitated numerous playdates across Ireland, helping children form friendships while allowing parents to connect with one another.

The Childcare Swap feature enhances this community aspect. Parents can create a private network of trusted friends and utilize a turn-based system for short-term childcare. When a parent needs assistance, they submit a request to their private group, and friends can opt to help. To maintain balance, for every two requests made, the parent must accept one in return, promoting active participation. Additionally, parents can accumulate childcare credits by accepting requests, which can later be redeemed when they need help.

During school breaks, the School Holiday Day-Care Share feature allows groups of parents in the same area to plan for shared childcare. Two weeks prior to school holidays, participants finalize an agenda and establish a group chat for communication. This collaborative approach ensures that care is fairly distributed among families, giving children quality time with friends while alleviating the pressure on individual parents.

Growing Community and Future Prospects

Shepherd expressed her enthusiasm for the rapid growth of the PlayDayz community. “What started as a solution for busy parents like me is already becoming a true community,” she remarked. “I’m thrilled to see how quickly our communities are growing, and I’m so thankful to every parent who has given our ethos a try.”

The app is currently available for a 30-day trial, after which parents can subscribe for 99c per month. A premium membership option is also available for €1.99 per month, providing additional benefits to users.

As PlayDayz continues to expand, it represents a significant step toward addressing the childcare challenges faced by working parents in Ireland and beyond. With its community-driven approach, the app is poised to make a lasting impact on family dynamics and social support networks.