Child Watch

PHILOSOPHY

The YMCA is a Christian values-based organization that focuses on building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are taught in every program that we offer. We believe each child is unique with individual developmental patterns. Each child will be given the freedom to express themselves and will be encouraged to be independent.

No child will be discriminated against because of race, color, age, sex, disability or national origin. Any person who believes that a child has been discriminated against in any activity should notify the Executive Director.

CHILD CARE CENTER STAFF

Staff are certified in CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Child Abuse Training. All staff meet certain guidelines and are not only hired for their experience and training, but because they exhibit the following characteristics:

• A positive and professional image.
• An ability to communicate effectively with children.
• An active interest in, and respect for, each child.
• An awareness of children’s needs, and an ability to meet them.
• A commitment to communicate with, and support of, every family in the program.
• Staff will use positive redirection for discipline; no child will be discriminated against.

All YMCA staff must complete a criminal background check before they begin working in our programs. In addition, all staff must attend a new orientation session before their first day of employment.

VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers used by YMCA Childwatch are interviewed and screened. (They are used as part of the Adult-child ratio.) If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact the childcare director. (Mrs. Haynes) For safety reasons, background checks are completed on all volunteers before they start.

DAY AND HOURS OF OPERATION

The Nishna Valley Family YMCA Child Watch program is open to children 6 weeks through 2nd grade.

Monday - Friday AM 8:00-11:30am

Monday-Thursday PM 5:00-7:00PM

Saturday- 9:00AM-11:00AM

• Attention:Closed- New Year's Day,  Good Friday and the Sat. after Good Friday, Saturday before Memorial Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor day, Oct. 31, Thanksgiving, Fri and Sat after, Day before Christmas, Christmas Day, Day after Christmas, New Year's Eve Day AM.

~ On a 1 OR 2 HOUR LATE START , the CW room will open at 10am. On NO SCHOOL DAY due to weather or NO EVENING CLASSES, there will be no childwatch. Also please sign up for our Text Caster text alerts so you can always be up to date on Childwatch.Thank you for your understanding on these days.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Parents need to sign your child(ren) in/out of the Childwatch program.
• Parents let the staff know where you will be working out in the building. A time limit of 3 hours for a child to be in the Childwatch room. Please be prompt on picking up your child.
• Let the staff know of any allergies, behaviors, etc.
• Please mark all of you child’s belongings.
• Parents will be notified if your child has soiled or is in need of a diaper change. Staff are not allowed to do this. Staff are not allowed to administer medication.
• Starting September 1st the first 90 minutes is free to members per day. Any additional time after the 90 minutes is $2.00 per hour for the first child and $1.50 for any additional children. Pre-paid punch card are available for $25.00. They are Non-Transferable and Non-Refundable. Non-Member fees are $4.00 per session for first child and $3.25 per session for any additional children. 
• First time visit: parents please fill out a registration form for your child to keep on file in the Childwatch room. If you have questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Haynes at lhaynes@nishnavalleyymca.com or at 243-3934.