Child Watch

Are you looking for child care while you exercise, take a swim, or participate in a YMCA program?

Our YMCA branches offer drop-in Child Watch while caregivers, parents or guardians make use of their YMCA membership!  Child Watch provides an opportunity for parents, caregivers and guardians to pursue their own health and well-being, knowing that their child(ren) are safe, secure and having fun in a positive environment.

Child Watch is:

• Available for children ages 3 years to 9 years old
• Available for up to 2 hours per session, while a parent, caregiver or guardian remains within the YMCA branch.
  • Times vary by YMCA branch
• Included in Full Privilege Family YMCA Memberships

At Child Watch:

• Your child can play with other children
• There will be toys, books, resources and fun things to learn and do
• There will be staff and resources that will help you and your family
• You will meet other parents/caregivers of young children

Guidelines:

• Registration:
  • All Parent/Caregiver/Guardians must stop at the Welcome Center to register for a Child Watch session upon arrival
• Check In:
  • Appropriately dated receipt must be presented to Child Watch staff at sign-in
  • Parent/Caregiver/Guardian must provide identification for sign-in and sign-out, and disclose their intention/location while the child will be in our care
    • All Parent/Caregiver/Guardians must be active YMCA Members of any category, at minimum Community Member
• Parent/Caregiver/Guardian must remain inside the YMCA facility while child is attending Child Watch
  • Maximum session is 2 hours
• Outside Items may be brought at your own risk:
  • Age-appropriate snacks or water/juice may be brought to the Child Watch room.  All Child Watch rooms are nut-free.
  • Children are responsible for their own toys or electronics brought to the Child Watch room.
  • All items must be clearly labeled with your child’s name and disclosed to Child Watch staff upon entry.
  • YMCA staff are not responsible for loss, damage or theft.  All items are brought at your own risk.
• Parent Communication:
  • Please keep your cell phone nearby while your child is in the care of Child Watch
  • If a child is upset and cannot be soothed for 10 minutes, Y staff will notify Parent/Caregiver/Guardian
  • If a child needs to utilize the restroom while in our care, Y staff will notify Parent/Caregiver/Guardian
• Help us keep our spaces clean and safe for all
  • Child Watch areas undergo rigorous cleaning procedures
  • Children must be free from all symptoms of illness or fever for 24 hours before returning to the Y’s care
  • A maximum number of children per staff ratio will be followed and the Welcome Center alerted if the room is at the current maximum capacity
• Child Watch hours are subject to change and vary by location
  • Review our branch schedules online or in the YMCA360 Mobile App

Child Watch Session Fees:

• Full Privilege Family Memberships:  Free
  • Parent/Caregiver/Guardian and Child must be included on the same Full Privilege Family Membership
• Full Privilege Individual Member: $10/session for each child
  • Parent/Caregiver/Guardian must be a Full Privilege Member utilizing the YMCA
•  Basic/Program Member: $20/session for each child
  • Parent/Caregiver/Guardian or Sibling must be a Basic/Program Member utilizing the YMCA for a program/event
  • In the event that the Sibling is a Basic/Program Member, Parent/Caregiver/Guardian must register as a Community Member to accompany them into the YMCA
• YMCA Nationwide Member: $20/session for each child
  • Parent/Caregiver/Guardian must be an active YMCA Nationwide Member utilizing the YMCA
• Community Member: $25/session for each child
  • Parent/Caregiver/Guardian must be a YMCA Community Member utilizing the YMCA for a program/event

Fees may vary for theme nights and special events.  Advance registration may be required for some special events and programs.

Child Watch Locations: Hours vary per location and are subject to change

• Elizabeth Branch – 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ
• Five Points Branch – 201 Tucker Avenue, Union, NJ
• Wellness Center Branch – 1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, NJ

For more information contact us