Get peace of mind while you exercise
The YMCA’s Child Development Center was created to provide a safe and fun environment for children while their parents utilize our workout floor.
More than ever, busy parents need support. When parents come to the Y for a class, group activity, or workout, their kids need an enriching environment where they can build healthy relationships with other kids and adults. At your local Y’s Child Development Center, children play under the supervision of caring, trained Y staff while parents are able to connect with other Y members and enjoy their own time. The Child Development Center is available free of charge for children on a membership ages 6 weeks – 12 years old. Parents may leave their children in a Child Development Center for a maximum of two hours a day. Parents must remain at the YMCA facility when their child is receiving childcare.
Additional Info
Our Child Development Center operation hours vary by YMCA family center, and may also change depending on team member availability, holidays, etc. Find your location and check the Key Info section to see your Y’s hours.
We put safety first with designated drop-off and pick-up procedures that we practice at all times. Children must be signed in by a parent, guardian, or an adult (18+), who is listed on the child’s membership. Parents must list the child’s name and their location of where they will be within the building during the time their child will be receiving childcare. If child requires an early pickup, parents will be contacted by childcare staff in person or by phone.
If a parent is dropping off a child for the first time, they are in great hands! Only YMCA authorized staff may enter into the Child Development Center, and no unauthorized parents or guardians are allowed in beyond the check in desk for the safety of all.
Please ensure that all children arrive in dry and clean diapers. Team members are unable to change diapers and will locate and notify you in the event your child needs a change.
To ensure the health and safety of all children in our care, any child who appears to have any illness or contagious condition will not be admitted to a Child Development Center. If your child is experiencing the following symptoms, child may not be admitted to Child Development Center: fever, vomiting, rash, green mucus, head lice, excessive coughing, or any contagious illness. Child may return to Child Development Center once symptoms are no longer evident for 24 hours.
Learn more about our Commitment to Health Safety in regardless to cleanliness and sanitation. We also encourage you to review our Commitment to Child Safety to find out how we keep kids safe within the Y.
If a child is upset and crying, our Y team will make every effort to calm and comfort the child and help them acclimate to the environment. After more than 10 consecutive minutes of crying, Y team members will locate the parent to assist in calming their child. Parents may attempt to leave the child a second time, but if crying persists for another 10 minutes, parents will be called to pick up their child.
We have a great variety of toys, books, and other activities for children during their stay with us! For this reason, we recommend parents don’t bring personal belongings to a Child Development Center. Pacifiers and car seats are encouraged for infants, however, pacifiers must be attached to children with clips.
No food or snacks are allowed in the Child Development Center. Allergies to foods, chemicals, or other environmental issues (such as nuts, pollens, etc.) should be listed in the “Allergies” section of the child’s information form. Please include any reactions and treatments of the allergies.
INFANT BOTTLE FEEDING
YMCA Child Development Center team members can bottle feed infants, as long as all supplies are provided, pre-mixed, and clearly labeled with the child’s first and last name, date, and type of milk. Formula and breast milk must be provided in an insulated, non-glass bottle for safety precautions and to maintain temperature. The YMCA Child Development Center is unable to refrigerate baby formula or breast milk. We will contact the parent if assistance is required for bottle feeding.