Childwatch Policies
Childwatch is a free care service for children ages 1-8 and listed on an active YMCA family membership. Children may use childwatch for up to two hours per day while their parent is working out or participating in YMCA programs. Non members or children not listed on the membership will be charged $5 per child, per day.
Childwatch Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-11am and 5pm-8pm
Hours of operation are subject to change and children may be turned away if Childwatch has reached capacity.
Sign in/out Procedures:
- Scan your membership cards at the front or back member service desk upon arrival.
- Scan your child’s membership card again with the childwatch staff to check your child in
- Complete the childwatch sign-in sheet, including name and contact information
Parent/Guardian Location while using this service: Parents/guardians must remain on YMCA property. Use of the bike path is permitted with notification to staff and a valid phone number on file for emergencies.
Attire:
- Children must wear appropriate clothing and footwear
- No bare feet
- Tennis shoes are recommended. Crock-style shoes are discouraged due to trip hazards
- Outdoor play or small gym use may occur when possible
- An extra change of clothes is recommended
Food and Drinks:
- Water and dry snacks only
- Snacks water bottles must be labeled with the child’s name
- No glass containers
- No nut-containing foods or sticky snacks
- Staff may refuse snacks to accommodate allergies or safety needs
Allergies/Special Needs: Please inform childwatch staff at drop-off of any
- Allergies
- Medical concerns
- Behavioral considerations
- Special instructions
Diapers/Toileting:
- Staff do not change diapers or assist with bathroom use
- Children must be fully potty trained and able to use the bathroom independently
- Children should use the restroom before being signed in
- Parents will be contacted if assistance is required
Illness: Children should not attend childwatch if they:
- Have been sick within the past 24 hours
- Require-one-on-one care
- Exhibit symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, excessive coughing, or runny nose
- If a child becomes ill in care, they must be picked up promptly. Staff may not administer medication.
Crying & Emotional Distress Staff will attempt to comfort and redirect children. If a child cannot be soothed after 10 minutes, a parent will be contacted and asked to return immediately.
Items from Home:
- Please do not bring toys or electronics
- Blankets or pacifiers are welcome
- YMCA is not responsible for lost or damaged items
- Unclaimed items will be moved to lost and found after one week
Behavior Management: Childwatch staff use positive behavior guidance techniques including: redirection, removal from an activity, removal from childwatch if necessary. Threatening or unsafe behavior will result in parent notification. Ongoing behavior issues may lead to suspension or permanent removal from childwatch.
Medical Incidents: Parents will be notified immediately of any injury requiring more than basic first aid. 911 will be contacted when deemed necessary
Emergency Procedures: Parents are not permitted to sign their child out during an active emergency.
- Tornado Warning: children will be moved to the Youth Development Gym. Parents report to the Youth Development Gym and remain until the warning is lifted.
- Fire Alarm: children will be evacuated moved to the front lawn marquee. Parents report to marquee to sign their children out.
- Childwatch will not re-open until an all clear is given.
Commitment to Child Abuse Prevention: The YMCA follows the Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention Program, a nationally recognized framework for preventing abuse that includes: comprehensive staff screening, required annual training, clear policies and procedures, ongoing supervision and a culture of accountability and transparency. Our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and transparent environment for every child.
Bathroom Procedures and Authorization- Children 5 and Over
YMCA staff do not change diapers or accompany children to the bathroom. Children must be fully potty trained and capable of using the bathroom on their own to be left in Childwatch without a diaper or a pull-up. If your child requires assistance with the bathroom or a diaper change we will contact you.
If your child is fully potty trained and over the age of 5 you can give signed authorization below allowing your child to use the girl’s or boy’s locker room alone without contacting you. YMCA staff will ensure the locker room is clear before allowing your child to go into the space and will stand at the door to ensure no one enters the locker room from the main hallway while your child is using the bathroom.