YMCA Child Programs – YMCA of Southwest NS

Childcare & Child programs

Children shine brightest when they play and learn – together

A warm and welcoming environment for children of all abilities.

Our child and youth programs are specifically designed to help kids be kids and to provide activities for the whole family.

Optimal learning experiences
A warm, friendly, and safe environment
Encouragement for your child to be themselves and learn at their own pace
YMCA Child Care operates with consistent best practices and standards across the country.
All YMCA Child Care programs are licensed under Early Learning and Child Care Act and with regular evaluation to ensure quality in Child Care practices. They are also inspected annually to confirm compliance by Ministry standards.

YMCA programs for Children

Programs & Services Preschool Kids

Important Information for parents/caregivers

YMCA Child Minding is designed for children 6 months to 10 years of age*

Only 2 children under the age of 18 months can be registered at a time

The parent/caregiver must be an active YMCA member and remain in the YMCA facility.

Visits are booked in 2-hour time blocks.

Children are only able to attend within the booked time, but do not have to attend for the full 2-hours they are booked in. For example, if you book from 9:00-11:00 am, your child can attend for any amount of time in that booked session and must be picked up by 11:00 am.

Cost is $3.00 per hour, per child or included in an ongoing family membership.

Limited spaces are available to allow for a low staff-to-child ratio. Limit to 6 children.

A space must be pre-booked for each child. Booking over the phone, by calling 902-543-9622, can be done as early as 72 hours prior and will close 24 hours prior, or when a specific date/time is full.

Cancellations or changes can be made with no charge/penalty.

Parents/caregivers are required to provide their own diapers and wipes if applicable. Please clearly label all water bottles and diaper bags.

Caregivers Qualifications
YMCA Child Protection Training
First Aid and CPR certification
Criminal record check
Child abuse registry

Child Protection Information

For Child Protection, everyone entering our YMCA must scan their membership card at the welcome desk, or sign in with our welcome desk team with a Government-issued photo ID.

Sign-in/out policy:

At the beginning of the class, participants 12 years old and under must check in with the instructor with an adult (16 yrs+).
At the end of the class, participants 12 years old and under must check out by the same adult.

Admission Policy

13 years and up can access the facility without adult supervision.
9 – 12 years can access the facility with an adult/guardian in the building (adult/guardian must be at least 16 years of age).
13 years and up can access the cardio and strength conditioning levels without adult supervision
9-13 years can access the cardio and strength conditioning levels with adult/guardian supervision at all times

The Y Clubhouse

YMCA Child Care

Membership Assistance

We are committed to eliminating financial barriers and providing everyone the opportunity to participate in YMCA programs and services. A YMCA financially assisted membership offers access to the same facilities, programs, and services at a reduced rate.