Play and Learn

Play and Learn is included in your family membership! Each child must have their own membership tag and be scanned into Play and Learn upon arrival. Play and Learn is a drop-in service—program registration is not required.

Play and Learn is open to any child ages 6 weeks to 6 years old who is part of a family membership plan.

In Play and Learn, children freely engage in their choice of activities, including art, stories and active play. Activities can be messy, so please dress children in play clothes. Babies who are not yet walking have their own area with baby-safe toys and activities.

Our Play and Learn staff are trained caregivers who will treat your child with care, honesty, respect, and responsibility. All staff are CPR-certified and have been trained in child abuse prevention.

Children may stay for up to two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.

Children may only remain in Play and Learn when an adult family member is on Y property. Outdoor running can be done on our outdoor tracks. You must provide your cell phone number at drop-off and carry your phone on your person when outside the building.

Please bring the following items for your child during their Play and Learn visit—don't forget to label all items!

• Change of clothes
• Diapers and wipes, if used—if a child’s diaper needs to be changed, you will be contacted and asked to change the diaper
• Sippy cup or bottle (only babies not yet walking may have breast milk or formula; all others may only have water)
• Pacifier, if used
   

Please do not bring electronics, valuables, snacks, or beverages other than water or breast milk/formula.

Children cannot remain in Play and Learn if they are vomiting or have a fever, diarrhea, a rash, or other potentially contagious condition. They may return to Play and Learn 24 hours after their ailment(s) subside.

It is not unusual for a child to cry at their caregiver’s departure from Play and Learn, especially during their first few visits. Crying typically only lasts for a few minutes, and then the child calms and proceeds to explore and play.

Please know that we will try our best to engage your child in fun, meaningful activities. However, if your child is upset and we cannot calm them after a reasonable period of time, we will ask you to return for your child and come back to Play and Learn another day.

Play and Learn is closed on select holidays throughout the year. Please refer to the following table for a full list of closures.

Children will be asked to wash their hands upon entering Play and Learn; staff will assist if needed. Toys are cleaned throughout each morning and evening shift after they are played with.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of our Youth & Family Program Coordinators:

Chelcey Bostic
Southeast Y Youth & Family Program Coordinator
(812) 961-2168
info@monroecountyymca.org

Briana Honeycutt
Northwest Y Youth & Family Program Coordinator
(812) 961-2359
info@monroecountyymca.org