Hours of Operation Monday—Saturday 7:00AM-11:00PM Serving ages 6 weeks-14 years old
Shuttle of Play
Marvelous Minds was founded by Rosa Marie, who didn’t study the childcare access problem — she survived it. She built Rochester’s only licensed drop-in child care model, serving families traditional providers can’t reach: DSS-eligible households, single parents, and shift workers whose hours fall outside standard care windows.
Since 2014, Marvelous Minds has served over 1,400 families, growing from a single drop-in service into a full continuum of care, including an After School Program and the 1100 Club, a tiered membership model shaped by feedback from the families and employers we serve. As programming grew, Shuttle of Play (501(c)(3), was established in 2023 as our fiscal partner and grant applicant of record.
Our impact centers on removing childcare as a barrier to work and stability. Families once without coverage during non-traditional hours — including those needing care to attend medical appointments, interviews and trainings — now have flexible options built around their real schedules. In Rochester, where 86% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, this access-first model reaches the population facing the steepest structural barriers to employment and family health.
Marvelous Minds operates the 1100 Club, a tiered childcare membership model serving DSS-eligible, low-income, single-parent, and shift-working families in Monroe County. Today, 900 children have access to drop-in care through our parent engagement app, with new inquiries arriving daily. For many families, this care serves a critical secondary function: while children are safely cared for at Marvelous Minds, a parent gains the time needed to attend an appointment, prepare for an interview, study for an exam, tend to a medically fragile family member — needs that don’t pause simply because another child also requires supervision.
Community Champions like Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC), Volunteer of America (VOA), Rochester Education and Development of Youth (READY), Sankofa Family Counseling Services partner with Marvelous Minds to launch 1100 Club Access Fund for their communities, subsidizing membership for families who would otherwise be priced out of this flexibility. Unlike one-time assistance, this model sustains access over time, allowing families to maintain backup care as life circumstances shift — reducing the disruption cycle that pushes families out of stable care arrangements precisely when they need it most.
By keeping children enrolled rather than lapsing due to cost, this fund helps ensure caregivers can consistently attend to their needs, including prenatal, postnatal, and wellness appointments during critical moments of their life's journey.
Launch an 1100 Club Access Fund for YOUR COMMUNITY
We’re powered by the generosity of funders like Rochester Area Community Foundation and Community Champions like YOU!
READY TO INSPIRE AND BE INSPIRED?
Join our mission to empower children and families by becoming a Marvelous Minds volunteer! From assisting with creative play activities to supporting community events, our volunteer opportunities allow you to contribute to a brighter future while gaining valuable experience. Whether you have a passion for education, a desire to give back, or simply love working with children, there’s a place for you here.
Sign up today and help us create marvelous memories that last a lifetime.
Join the Movement as an Intern or Volunteer
Internships in Marketing
Internships in Social Work
Internships in Social Work
Driven by creativity and a desire to shape impactful marketing strategies? We are looking for a dynamic and innovative Marketing Intern to join our vibrant team! This role is perfect for those who are excited about delving into the world of marketing, engaging with diverse projects and contributing to the growth of our brand. Join us to apply your marketing knowledge in a real-world setting and be part of a team that values fresh ideas and forward-thinking approaches!
Internships in Social Work
Internships in Social Work
Internships in Social Work
Passionate about social work, eager to apply your empathetic skills, and interested in contributing to community welfare? We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Community Impact Intern to join our dynamic team at Marvelous Minds! This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful social work, supporting and enhancing the lives of children and families. Join us to apply your social work skills in a real-world setting, making a significant impact!
Internships in Operations
Internships in Social Work
Internships in Human Resources
Are you fascinated by the intersection of business, education, and law, and eager to apply your analytical and organizational skills in these fields? Marvelous Minds is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Operations Manager Intern. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in operational management, strategic planning and legal aspects of educational services. Join us in shaping a brighter future for children and hone your skills in a divers and impactful setting!
Internships in Human Resources
Internships in Human Resources
Internships in Human Resources
Fascinated by the intricacies of Human Resources and eager to apply your interpersonal skills in a dynamic environment? We desire a proactive and detail-oriented HR Intern to join our vibrant team. This is your chance to dive into the diverse aspects of HR management, from recruitment to employee relations, and make a significant impact in shaping our workforce. Join us to enhance your HR acumen in a hands-on setting!
Internships in IT
Internships in Human Resources
Internships in Finance
Captivated by the ever-evolving world of technology, keen to apply your tech skills, and excited to be part of IT solutions? marvelous minds is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented IT Intern to join our dynamic team at Marvelous Minds! This role is a fantastic opportunity to dive into areas like systems administration, network management, and IT support, playing a vital role in our technological infrastructure.
Internships in Finance
Internships in Human Resources
Internships in Finance
Intrigued by the world of finance, eager to apply your analytical skills, and interested in contributing to financial strategies? We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Finance Intern to become part of our dynamic team! This is an exciting opportunity to delve into financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting, and to play a key role in our financial decision-making process. Join us to enhance your financial acumen in a real-world setting!
We’re looking for passionate, purpose-driven volunteers to help us grow this vision.
We’re looking for passionate, purpose-driven volunteers to help us grow this vision.
We’re looking for passionate, purpose-driven volunteers to help us grow this vision.
Whether you’re in college, building your résumé, or answering a call to serve—you can:
- Support program logistics
- Assist with community engagement events
- Join data & storytelling teams to document our journey
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This diverse and deeply invested leadership team brings expertise, lived experience, and unwavering dedication to advancing Shuttle of Play’s mission of breaking childcare barriers in Monroe County.
Celeste Barkley, MPH, PMP
Melissa Heisly-Davis
Sherica Ross
Kaly Otero
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