Child Watch 

FREE DROP-IN CHILDCARE FOR OUR MEMBERS WHILE PARENTS MAKE USE OF THE Y

AGES 6 weeks - 7 years old

More than ever, busy parents need support. When parents come to the Y for a class, group activity or workout, their kids need a nurturing, enriching environment where they can build healthy, trusting relationships with other kids and adults. More than a babysitting service, Child Watch provides children play-based learning experiences in a safe, fun environment. In Child Watch, children play for up to 2 hours under the supervision of caring, trained Y staff. At the same time, their parents are able to relax, connect with other Y members, and enjoy healthy activities at the Y.

This drop-in childcare service is included with all memberships at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Registration for Child Watch

 

Hours

Monday-Saturday: 8:00AM - 1:00PM

Monday-Thursday: 4:00PM - 7:00PM

CHECK-IN

For your child's safety, a parent or supervising individual aged 16+ is required to sign their child in and out of Child Watch. The same individual must also sign the child out unless prior arrangements have been made with Child Watch staff. 

TIME LIMITS

The Y’s drop-in Child Watch Center is not a licensed child care center. Consequently, state guidelines restrict your child’s usage of Child Watch to no more than 2 hours total per day. For the safety of all, the ratio of staff to participants is 1:10. If there are only 3 staff available, capacity is set at 30 participants. The maximum number of children that can be checked-in to Child Watch is 40. 

If participants are checked into Child Watch for longer than two hours, staff will provide a warning up to a late charge of $5 for every 10 minutes over the allotted time. 

We recommend limiting your child's time in Child Watch to the following age-appropriate lengths: 

  • 6 weeks-9 months: 30 minutes
  • 9 months-2 years: 1 hour
  • 2 years-4 years: 1.5 hours
  • 4 years-7 years: 2 hours

CHECKLIST

Please ensure the following prior to checking your child into Child Watch:

  • Your child is in a clean diaper or has used the restroom; provide additional clean diapers at drop-off.
  • Your child is well-fed/nursed.
  • Personal items and bags are labeled with your child's name.

COMFORT

  • For your child's safety, shoes or socks are to be worn at all times. Winter items may be stored in a cubby.
  • If you provide food and drink for your child, please bring only water or juice (milk allowed only for infants) and healthy dry snacks. Drinks must be in spill-proof cups.
  • For the safety of all kids in Child Watch, please do not pack candy, gum, raisins, peanut products or meals.
  • Remind Child Watch staff of any allergies upon each visit. 
  • Children showing symptoms of illness may not be allowed in Child Watch. A child must be symptom-free for 24 hours in order to return. 

BEHAVIOR

Our goal is to develop self-management (or regulation) and respect for others. When necessary, age-appropriate discipline such as logical consequences and redirection will be used. In some cases, a supervised break away from peers or play may be used.

If a child is having excessive problems (i.e. biting, hitting, etc.) the parent/guardian will be called and the child will be removed from Child Watch. If behavioral issues continue, a child will be asked not to return for a period of time as determined by Membership Director. 

CONTACT

Questions? Feel free to email Courtney Rogers at courtneyr@gtbayymca.org.