Child Watch

A safe, fun, and nurturing place for your child — while you focus on your health and well-being.

Peace of Mind While You Work Out

We’re so glad you’ve chosen the YMCA of Coastal Carolina for your family! Our Child Watch program provides a safe and caring environment where your little ones can play, explore, and thrive while you participate in YMCA activities.

Our goal is to make every visit a positive experience — filled with activities, crafts, and games that reflect the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Ages & Check-In Procedures

Who Can Participate

  • Child Watch is available for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old who are listed on a family membership account.
  • Parents or guardians must complete and sign an enrollment form prior to participation.

Check-In & Check-Out:

  • A parent/guardian must sign children in and out each visit.
  • The same adult must handle both drop-off and pick-up, unless arrangements are made in advance.
  • For safety, individuals under 18 years old cannot check in or out a child.
  • Parents must remain on YMCA property while their child is in Child Watch.

Reservations:

Advanced reservations are required.

Time Limits

Child Watch is a drop-in service, not a licensed childcare center.
In accordance with state guidelines:

  • Children may stay a maximum of 2 hours per visit (up to 4 hours per day).
  • A $5 fee per child will apply for every 10 minutes past the 2-hour limit.

Please plan your workouts and activities accordingly to stay within the time frame.

Health Policies

Illness Policy:

  • Children showing any signs of illness will not be permitted to enter Child Watch.
  • A child must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
  • Please notify staff if your child has a communicable illness or head lice so we can take appropriate action.

Special Circumstances:

We aim to meaningfully include all children. If your child has any special needs or circumstances, please inform our staff prior to their visit so we can make necessary accommodations to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Safety Policies

Attire:

  • Children should wear shoes and/or socks (socks required for non-walking infants).

Food & Drinks:

  • Only baby bottles, sippy cups, and water bottles with lids are permitted.
  • Please label all items clearly with your child’s first and last name.
  • For safety, no food is allowed in the Child Watch area.

Diaper Policy:

  • Parents must provide diapers and wipes for children under 3.
  • YMCA staff will change diapers as needed.
  • Please bring your child in a clean, dry diaper at drop-off.