Reimagine life with the strength of a village by your side—bringing new joy to rest and play.

Let's get to know each other

We offer adaptive, customizable care packages, including as-needed care, half-days, two- or three-day options, and coverage for teacher workdays. We are a private in-home childcare provider — not a licensed center. We offer personalized care in a warm, family-like setting. At this time, we do not have availability for long-term, full-day contracts.

Where Children Grow Together

A nonprofit childcare community in Durham creating adaptive care that values every child, family, and care provider.

Play-Based Learning

Children explore, discover, and grow through natural play in a safe, nurturing environment.

Adaptive Care

Care options that adapt to your family's needs, from occasional visits to daily programs.

Community Focus

Building a village where children, families, and care providers thrive together.

Our Mission

Windy Hill Play is a care framework in action. We build and operate a living village—rooted in play, nature, trust, and connection—beginning with childcare and expanding into a broader care ecosystem that supports whole people, values caregivers, and strengthens community through shared responsibility.

The pathway to joining the community

Schedule a call —> Visit the site —> Review parent handbook —> Registration —> Trial Visit —> Join the Community.

Let's get to know each other

We believe:

  • Every child is whole from the start

  • Families deserve a village of support

  • Care should be adaptive, respectful, and rooted in trust

  • Shared responsibility strengthens everyone

  • Connection is the foundation of growth

 Childcare Frequently Asked Questions

 Getting Started

  • We are currently enrolling children 16 months and older, or those who are walking and napping once a day. Our multi-age program fosters learning and growth in a diverse, collaborative environment. To participate in our school-age program, children must be enrolled before the age of 5.

    Our minimum enrollment age ensures that children can fully engage in our environment while also receiving the individual attention they need. The maximum enrollment age allows children to grow within our community, learning and understanding our boundaries while fostering relationships based on respect and kindness during a key developmental stage.

  • We're open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Drop-offs are welcome between 8:30-10:00 AM or 12:00-2:00 PM. Pick-ups can be during 12:00-2:00 PM or after 4:00 PM.

  • At Windy Hill Play, we want to ensure that our program is the right fit for your child and family. Here’s how our free trial process works:

    1. Site Visit: After completing a site visit, you will receive detailed information about our registration process and program offerings.

    2. Registration: Once you complete your registration, you will be able to schedule a free 2-hour trial session for your child.

    3. Trial Session: During the trial, your child will have the opportunity to explore our play-based environment, interact with our caregivers, and experience a typical session at Windy Hill Play.

    4. Decision & Refund Policy: If, after the trial, you decide that Windy Hill Play is not the best fit for your child or family, we will fully refund your registration fee.

  • We use a Childcare Management System called KangarooTime to schedule care sessions.

    Once you have completed the registration process, you will have access to our scheduling app, KT Connect, where you can easily book care times that work for your family.

Daily Care

  • Please pack: a water bottle, lunch and snacks, a change of clothes, and any comfort items your child might want. For younger children, please include diapers and wipes if needed.

  • While families pack their own meals, we offer supplementary snacks like fresh fruit, crackers, and pretzels. Please let us know if you prefer we only offer food from home.

  • Our days flow naturally between indoor and outdoor play, creative activities, meals, and rest time. Children can choose from various activities while being supported by our care team.

Health & Safety

  • We ask that children stay home when unwell to support their recovery and protect our community. You won't be charged for missed days due to illness.

  • Each child has their special comfort spot for rest time, typically between 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM. Children who don't nap can enjoy quiet activities.

  • Our space is designed for safe exploration with close supervision. We maintain strict health protocols, regular sanitization, and secure check-in/out procedures.

Communication & Community

  • We're happy to send updates and photos throughout the day. You can always text or call us to check in on your child.

  • We appreciate 24-hour notice for cancellations when possible, but understand that things come up. Please just let us know as soon as you can.

  • We welcome family involvement! You can engage through our social media, attend community events, or share your skills and interests with our village.

Click Here to Schedule your Discovery Call.

Testimonials

  • Ashley (2 year old)

    Windy Hill was our second home all spring and summer long. Mariah and Princess truly made us feel like family. Our son loved going there everyday. He is speech delayed and really doesn’t talk a lot so it’s always nerve wracking leaving him somewhere but they made us feel so comfortable.


    Now that our son is in school full time we plan on going to windy hill whenever he has days off and know it’ll feel like being back at home!!!

  • Sarah (2 year old)

    It cannot be overstated how much thoughtfulness and attention to detail Moriah and Princess put into their caregiving for children. I found this center when I was in a very difficult phase of life with a lot of transitions, and they were always so patient and kind. It’s a collaborative experience in which you really feel as though they understand your parenting goals and help you achieve them. My daughter always had the most amazing time at Windy Hill and had we not moved away, we’d still be going. 15/10 experience.

  • Robin (5 year old)

    Our son LOVES Windy Hill Drop In play! His language and social skills have BLOOMED in their care! SO grateful for them, especially as our family has been dealing with some tough circumstances. Windy Hill is like a village. Like part of our family.

  • Adam (6 & 2 year old)

    Mariah and Princess were amazing with my two kiddos. Both kids were happier there than at a much more “renowned” daycare. They offer the flexibility and understanding that most daycares won’t offer you. I highly recommend.

  • Jazmine (4 & 5 year old)

    Love this place for my kids and so does my boys. They can’t stop taking everything the do in a day and how much fun it was and how they learned new things …

  • Abby (2 year old)

    My child asked “Can we bring Windy Hill Play with us to our new home?”