The Medicine Hat Family YMCA Child Care Services offers licensed group care at the YMCA John Millar Child Development Center and the YMCA Crescent Heights Child Development Center. We also offer childcare in our approved Family Day Home Project. The Day Home Project offers care in approved home during the day, along with also offering care evenings and weekends for children up to the age of 12. Child care subsidies for children newborn to 12 years of age are available to parents who qualify.

The Medicine Hat Family YMCA's goal is to provide a vital child care service to families by making it easier for parents to work, continue their education, or to access socialization time for their children. Our child care activities and experiences throughout the day will promote growth and development of the whole child in the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical areas.

Our checklist for delivery of our program is as follows:

• Children of all ages are happy and involved.
• Children with special needs will be integrated into the program by breaking down goals into appropriate small steps.
• Staff has a caring attitude.
• Centre equipment and toys are accessible, clean and safe.
• Parent-Staff communication is good and parents feel welcome at the centre.
• Sufficient play material is always available.
• Outdoor activities take place in a safe, well-supervised area.
• Staff are good role models and have appropriate training.
• Parents have regular feedback regarding their child and the program.
• Program plans are age appropriate.

Our daily program will focus on the development needs of the children and be concerned with all aspects of your child's life. Our program will be balanced, well rounded and comprehensive so that the social, physical and intellectual development of your child is promoted in a positive environment.

The children's development progress is nurtured and observed by experienced day home providers and trained staff. Individual concerns are discussed with the daycare administrative director or day home coordinator. If a child's developmental progress appears delayed, a local professional resource person will be contacted for their input. Outside contacts will not happen without consulting you, the parent, first and receiving written permission to do so.