Fun Zone (Child Watch)

FUN ZONE (Child Watch)

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 facility.

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. In the Duneland Family YMCA’s Fun Zone, 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 Fun Zone is available free of charge for children ages 6 months – 9 years old. Parents may leave their children in the Fun Zone for a maximum of two hours a day. Parents must remain at the YMCA facility when their child is receiving childcare. Reservations are required for each child.

4 young girls pose for a picture at summer camp

Reservations

Reservations are required for each child in the Fun Zone.

  • Reservations are required for each child using child watch, click here to register. Please filter by category. See below for details.
  • Reservations can be made 1 week in advance up to 15 minutes prior to your visit.
  • You will be able to register for a 2 hour time slot per child.

Canceling a Reservation:

  1. Visit our Classes page for a list of our child watch time slots.
  2. Find the time slot that you would like to cancel your reservation for and click “Sign Up”
  3. Log in
  4. A box will appear saying that you are already registered for the time slot, and you will be given the option to cancel the reservation
  5. Click “Ok”

OR cancel your child’s reservation in your confirmation email

ADDITIONAL INFO

Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 10:300am 
Monday-Thursday: 4:30-8:30
Fun Zone Ages: 6 weeks – 10 years

2 hours per day

  • Please use the membership tag to scan your child into Child Watch. Child watch staff will need to know which part of the building you will be in or have a current emergency contact number. The same parent/guardian is expected to pick up their child(ren), unless specified at scan in. Only those over 18 years of age may drop off or pick up a child.
  • Children must be appropriately dressed (shirts, pants, and shoes).
  • Please inform the staff at drop off of any special health needs your child may have during their stay in Child Watch.
  • Please ensure children are freshly diapered and have just used the restroom before checking into the Fun Zone. Children in diapers or pull-ups need to have extra diapers and wipes and children still potty training need to have an extra change of clothes.
  • Snacks and drinks, other than water, may not be brought in from home. Water may stay in a cubby if a drink is needed.
  • We ask that parents not send toys, electronic or otherwise, with their children to the Fun Zone. Please see the director if your child has special needs. Blankets and pacifiers are welcome.
  • When possible, we will offer children the opportunity to play in the gym. Please plan accordingly with proper footwear and clothing.

Parent/Guardian MUST remain on YMCA property while their children are checked into the Fun Zone. 

The very word “discipline” means to teach or gently guide. Staff will teach the child a positive way to handle conflicts and problems that arise. The methods used will in no way be demeaning, threatening, or make the child feel inferior or humiliated.

  • Techniques used will be:
    • Redirect the child’s behavior.
    • Removal from the specific activity
    • Removal from the Fun Zone
  • Serious Behavior Problems
    • No child will be allowed to continue in the program that becomes a safety hazard to him/herself or others
    • Child Watch staff will continue to work hard to comfort children should they cry or appear upset. However, if we are unable to soothe your child after 10 minutes, we will page you or contact you using the information you left at check in. If a request is made via direct communication we ask that you respond immediately.

Please keep your child out of Child Watch if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit within the last 24 hours
  • Vomiting within the last 24 hours
  • Diarrhea
  • Green nasal discharge
  • Eye discharge or pink eye
  • Head lice
  • Any other symptoms of communicable disease
    • If medication has been prescribed, a full 24 hours of treatment is required before returning
      to Child Watch
    • Please notify Child Watch staff ASAP if your child contracts any communicable disease and
      when the symptoms first appeared
  • During your child/children’s stay with us, they are encouraged to engage in fun activities that include a variety of age-appropriate toys, equipment, and materials of interest and challenging to your child/children.
  • We make accommodations for children with special needs.
  • The Duneland Family YMCA screens and trains all our Child Watch and Zone staff. There is a staff person on duty at all times in the Child Watch and Zone areas who has been trained in CPR, first aid, recognizing signs of child abuse, and recognizing symptoms of communicable diseases.
  • We are mandated by state law to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
  • The Duneland Family YMCA appreciates the opportunity to serve you and your family. Feedback forms are available at the Front Desk. Please let us know how we can better serve you and your family.