Child Watch

Child Watch is a huge benefit to having a membership at the West Suburban YMCA.

We'll watch your children while you workout. Our staff reads stories and entertains the children in the designated child watch room, which is full of age appropriate toys and games. Maximum time is 90 minutes per visit per child and parents must remain in the building.

Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:45am-1pm for children aged 3 months to pre-K*

Mon-Fri: 3-7pm** for children aged 3 months to 10 years

Sat: 9 am-1 pm for children aged 3 months to 10 years

*Our morning age restrictions do not change during school or summer vacations
**Child Watch is open from 3-6pm Monday-Friday from July 1st to Labor Day

Fees

Weekdays:

Free for members
$7 for one child plus $4.50 for each additional child for non-members

Weekends:

$4 for one child plus $2 for each additional child for members

$7 for one child plus $4.50 for each additional child for non-members

For more information, please contact Leah at (617) 244-6050 x3022.

Child Watch FAQs

Do I need to register?
Registration is not required. You must fill out an emergency form on the first visit and are encouraged to visit Child Watch with your child(ren) before your first visit.

How long can my child(ren) stay in Child Watch?
Children may stay for up to 90 minutes and you must stay in the building. If your child needs to be changed or is inconsolable, the staff will ask you to return to the room.

How old does my child have to be?
Weekday mornings - 3 months to 5 years (not yet in kindergarten)
Weekday afternoons - 3 months to 10 years (not yet in 6th grade)
Saturdays - 3 months to 10 years (not yet in 6th grade)

Can I send my child in with snacks?
Yes, but please keep all snacks nut-free (no peanuts or tree nuts) and label all your food and drink containers. 

Additional Child Watch Policies

Illness Policy
Parents are asked not to send their child to the program if he or she is sick or contagious. If a child becomes ill while in the Child Watch room, the staff will locate the parent immediately.

Behavior Management
We want all the children to be safe and happy in our Child Watch room. We use positive redirection techniques in response to inappropriate behavior. If a child is acting inappropriately, we may ask the child to sit and take a break for a few minutes. We encourage the child rather than the adult to decide when s/he is ready to play again. If the behavior continues, the Child Watch Coordinator and Child Care Director reserve the right to suspend the child from the program for one week. A meeting will be set up prior to the child returning to Child Watch.