The Neighborhood Nanny drop-in child-care program is now open for busy parents who need a few hours during the day to get things done.

The program is run from the education wing at the Lynnwood Reformed Church, in Guilderland, although it is not affiliated with the church and membership at the church is not required to use the service.

Joanne McGovern, the director and part-owner of The Neighborhood Nanny, said she decided to start the business so parents could bring children to a clean, safe environment while they run errands, meet up with friends, or just enjoy some time to themselves. She teamed up with Michele Fuchs, the business manager and part-owner of the program.

McGovern has a master’s degree in education from the University of Mary Washington, and worked as a teacher at the Brown School in Schenectady. She said she wished a program like The Neighborhood Nanny had existed when she needed to go to interviews and had nowhere to bring her 2-year-old.

“It’s a novel idea, but for the modern, stay-at-home mom, it’s perfect,” said McGovern. The center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children ages 2 through 6 can attend the program for up to three hours at a time.

The education wing in the church includes a pretend grocery store, a letter-writing workshop, musical instruments, and a dress-up station.

“It’s a place where parents can take their children and know that they will be safe and interacted with,” McGovern said. The fee for the service is $8.95 per child, per hour, with a discount for siblings.

The Neighborhood Nanny will also be offering yoga and movement classes with a certified yoga instructor, Jennifer Bremster. The fee will be $75 for a five-week program.

More information is available at www.theneighborhoodnanny.com.