Child Watch Bell Family

Welcome to Child Watch

We understand that balancing your family’s schedule can be challenging. That’s why the Bell Family YMCA offers Child Watch as a benefit of your family membership. Our Child Watch program provides a safe and engaging environment for your children (ages 3 months to 11 years) while you work out, take a group exercise class, or swim laps.

Our goal is to provide a safe environment with caring staff who act as positive role models for your child, embodying the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Our Policies

Hours of Operation

Morning Hours

  • Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Evening Hours

  • Monday-Thursday: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

  • Friday: 4:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Closed

  • Saturday & Sunday

How to Register

All reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.

  1. Visit gapiedmontymca.org.

  2. Log into your online account (top right corner).

    • Enter your email and password.

  3. Navigate to "My Account" and select "Schedule a Visit."

  4. Choose the appropriate branch and select "Child Watch."

  5. Pick the date and time for your reservation.

  6. Complete your booking. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.

What to Expect

Our staff strives to provide children with safe, fun-filled opportunities to develop physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. You can expect:

  • A cheerful, daily greeting

  • Open communication

  • Caring, enthusiastic, and trained staff

  • Clean facilities

  • Enriching activities

  • A comfortable, safe environment

What the Y Expects from Parents

To ensure a positive experience for everyone:

  • Babies should arrive fed and with a clean diaper.

  • Label each of your child’s items with their full name.

  • Parents should communicate with staff regarding their child’s needs.

  • Adhere to the 2-hour time limit per day and 8-hour weekly maximum.

  • Parents must remain on the property while their child is in Child Watch.

Child Watch Policies

To ensure the safety and well-being of all children, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Drop-Off and Pick-Up:

    • Parents must sign their child in and out of the program each visit.

    • A photo ID may be required for anyone picking up a child.

    • Non-essential visitors are not allowed in the Child Watch area or playground.

  • Crying or Upset Children:

    • If a child cries for more than 15 consecutive minutes, parents will be contacted to pick up their child.

  • Illness Policy:

    • Do not bring your child if they are showing signs of illness, including fever, coughing, or vomiting. Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.

    • Notify staff immediately if your child has been exposed to a contagious illness while attending Child Watch.

  • Discipline Policy:

    • Staff will use positive reinforcement and redirection to address inappropriate behavior. If a child continues to exhibit disruptive or unsafe behavior, parents may be asked to remove them for the day.

What to Bring

Please prepare a labeled bag with the following items:

  • A change of clothing

  • Diapers, pull-ups, and wipes (if applicable)

  • A spill-proof bottle or sippy cup

  • A pacifier, if needed

  • Shoes (required for walking children)

Prohibited Items:

  • Toys, electronics, money, and non-essential items.

  • Food (except labeled baby bottles or safe snacks, such as nut-free options).

Emergency and Safety Procedures

In the event of an emergency:

  • Children will be escorted by staff to the designated Safe Zone outside the facility.

  • Parents will be contacted immediately and directed to pick up their child from the Safe Zone.

Our Staff

Our Child Watch staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, and child abuse prevention. They follow the Y Staff Code of Conduct and are committed to creating a welcoming, nurturing environment.

Contact Us

For questions or assistance, please contact: