Hardin County Family YMCA
Child Watch Services
Philosophy - To provide supervised play to members' children in a safe, clean, and wholesome area.
Because of the number of children served and the various times at which they arrive and depart, the Child Watch service is not intended to be a program with strictly planned or scheduled activities. There will, however, be some simple art and physical activities throughout the Child Watch sessions. Your child may take part if they are in attendance when the activities are going on.
Child Watch Hours
Hours:
Currently, hours are as follows:
Monday through Thursday - 8:00am-10:00am
Monday through Thursday - 5:00pm-7:30pm
Friday - 8:00am-11:00am
Saturday - 8:30am-10:30am ** Closed on Saturdays during the summer
NOTE: Closed Sundays year round.
Cost:
This service is part of your YMCA membership. Non-members will be charged $3 per child. Please pay at the front desk before signing in at Child Watch.
Age Limits:
Children ages 6 months through 10 years are cared for in Child Watch. After your child's 10th birthday he/she graduates to the main YMCA activities.
Time Limits:
There is a maximum 2 hour stay in the Child Watch room. Parents MUST REMAIN on site to use the Child Watch Services.
Wellness First:
As an organization devoted to wellness we ask that little ones who are sick to be kept out of Child Watch. This includes all cases of head lice, ringworm, pinkeye, colds, chickenpox, measles, deep cough, red itchy eyes, thick colored nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever within the last 24 hours. They need their rest and time for medications to work. If your child has a contagious illness and has been around the children here, please let us know so we can sanitize the room, toys, and to let other parents know so we can try to further prevent the spread of any contagious illnesses. If your child is listless, sleepy, grumpy, feverish, or obviously does not feel well, the staff will contact you to come and take him/her home
Sign In/Out Procedure:
Each time you enter the Child Watch room, please print your child's first name, last initial, age, time in, your first and last name, your destination, and time out, and your name again when you return to pick up your child.
Failure to pick up your child on time will result in you being paged from your class or activity.
Label all of your child's belongings clearly. Many children have the same or nearly the same items.
Please follow these guidelines. Failure to do so may result in suspension from use of the Child Watch Service. If you question, comments, or concerns, please feel free to call the YMCA at (419) 673-6131.
Comforting Crying Children:
We will do everything possible to comfort your child during his/her stay with us. Please be patient as your child adjusts to the new surroundings of the Child Watch room. We want the children to feel comfortable with us. Please bring a blanket, toy, or pacifier to aid in this. If your child is crying inconsolably after a reasonable length of time we will contact you to come and tend to your child.
Toileting and Diapering:
Please take your child to the restroom before leaving for your workout. We do not change diapers. If your child needs changed we will notify you.
Snacks and Feeding:
Due to choking hazards, allergies, and sharing problems, we do not allow snacks. We also do NOT feed the children. Sippie cups, preferably with water, are allowed. We discourage milk and other drinks due to allergies other children may have if accidentally picked up and ingested.
Safety First:
We will do everything possible to keep your child safe while in our care. Please impress upon your child the need for listening to the staff members in charge and following basic safety rules. Accidents can happen. First Aid kits are located in the room and adult staff are trained in First Aid and CPR. All adult staff are fingerprinted and background checked.
Behavior:
We have the right to report to you any inappropriate behavior shown by your child. Behavior reports will be given to the parents and kept on file.
We consider the following behaviors and others as unacceptable and may results in suspension if not remedied.
- Physical danger to other children, staff, or self (includes biting, kicking, pinching, hitting, etc.)
- Deliberate destruction of toys and equipment.
- Disrespectful behavior toward other children, staff, parents (screaming, cursing, spitting, or any other vocabulary deemed inappropriate for the YMCA.)