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CHILD WATCH

Middlesex YMCA offers drop-in child care while mom or dad make use of the Y. Playful, engaging options are plentiful for young children while you exercise or connect with others over shared interests.. This service is offered as a courtesy to the Members of Middlesex YMCA at no additional cost. 

Hours of Operation

NEW HOURS EFFECTIVE January 2024

 

Mon, Wed, Fri  - 9am - 11am *by reservation only

Tues, Thurs - 5:15pm-7:30pm *by reservation only 

Child Watch Information

The Welcome Center can direct you to the location of Child Watch. 

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PROGRAM GOALS: To provide members with an opportunity to work out with peace of mind, knowing that their child is safe, well supervised, and happy! The service is available exclusively to Middlesex YMCA Fitness and Program Members while they are in the YMCA facilities. While not subject to licensure, we strive to provide high standards of care for your children. 

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Reserve a spot! 

FEES: Child Watch is offered at no additional cost to Middlesex YMCA members. 

 

RESERVATIONS: All families must reserve a space for their child each day through our appointment system which can be found online at midymca.org/child-watch or by phone 860-343-6201 or in person at the Welcome Ctr. Families can reserve their space up to 5 days in advance.  

Illustration of a blue telephone. Click on this to call the Y.

STAFFING:  All Child Watch Staff are carefully screened through a personal interview, a reference check, and a criminal background check. 

ACTIVITIES: Children will be engaged in free play and staff initiated activities including story time, crafts, games, puzzles, and creative activities.

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​​For the safety and wellbeing of all children, please note the following guidelines.

  • Ages 6 months to 12 years of age. 

  • Ratio guidelines permit the care of only 3 infants per 1 worker.

  • Your workout will be interrupted if your child needs undivided attention for more than 10 minutes.

  • Members may only bring children that live in their household

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POLICIES and PROCEDURES  

  1. Each child must be signed in and out by the parent or legal guardian that brought the child to the Child Watch room.

  2. Children are never released to an individual who did not sign the child in, unless the parent gives permission before they leave, and proper identification of designated individual is shown.

  3. For children who are not toilet trained, please bring a diaper, wipes and change of clothes in a bag.

  4. Children who are sick should not be brought to child watch. In the opinion of our staff, if a child seems to be ill, the parent will be asked to remove their child from the child watch room, e.g., warm to the touch, green or yellow discharge from the nose, etc.

  5. Parents must remain within the YMCA Facility AT ALL TIMES while their child is being watched.

  6. Snacks are not provided, but may be brought in by parents. For the safety of the children, please review the list of snacks not permitted on the reverse side. Child Watch staff does not conduct regular feedings.

  7. If a child is having a difficult time separating from their parent or behaving in a way that could injure or upset other children for a period of ten minutes or more, the parent may be asked to remove their child from the Child Watch Room.

  8. Parents may bring a simple snack, bottle, cup or juice box. Label all items with child’s name.

  9. The following foods are NOT PERMITTED

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    Peanuts, peanut butter, and other nuts

    Hard candy, caramels, gummy bears, and gummy candies
    Popcorn
    Whole Olives
    Raw hard vegetables (like carrots)
    Strawberries, whole berries, cherries with pits, dried fruits, raisins
    Whole firm beans or peas
    Meat, hot dogs, and meat bones
    Chicken Skin, potato skin and fruit peels
    Granola bars
    Large cheese chunks

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