Kroc Center Playcare
The Kroc Center provides a safe environment for your child while you participate in any activity in the facility. In order to keep our guests safe, we ask that you follow these rules when utilizing Playcare.
Masks/ Face Coverings: Face coverings are not currently required, though strongly encouraged for individuals ages 2+.
Check in/ out: Upon arrival, stop at Gym Guest Services to check your child in and receive a playcare card. Please give the card to the playcare attendant and sign your child(ren) in the binder, noting your location and phone #. Please return the card to Guest Services after you sign-out so staff can track attendance.
First Come, First Serve (*updated*): Space is limited to the first children checked in. We have increased staffing due to high demand. However, even with full staffing we may make some of the following adjustments to ensure the most families possible get to enjoy our playcare program. Parents will be notified about Peak Usage Days upon arrival so they can plan their session and activities accordingly.
Reduction of time limit: during high volume days staff may alert parents that we will kindly ask children to be picked up after 1 hour/ 1 class. Although not ideal, this will allow parents to take a full class, but maybe not the desired post-workout routine.
Priority for exercisers: we’re excited that families have found playcare a wonderful benefit for more than just working out! It’s a great way to get in some “me time”, meet up with a friend at Mission Brew, or even focus on other children attending swim lessons, sports leagues or dance classes.
Rooms & Ratios: Please see our new developmentally-focused criteria for determining which room a child is best suited for. Kindly let our Guest Services staff know whether your child should be attending the Kroc Tots room or the Big Kids room and she/ he will provide the appropriately colored check-in card.
Kroc Tots, Small Room (6 months - ~ 24 months/ “confidently walking”): 1 staff: 4 children. This room is intended for our smaller children that are not yet mobile and ideal for kids no older than 2. However, staff and parents can use their discretion and judgement if an older sibling will help calm a little one, serving as a “helper” (available when room is not at capacity with actual littles).
Playcare Big Kids, Large Room – Youth (ages ~ 15 months/ “confidently walking” – 11 years): 1 staff: 10 children
Drop Off/ Pick Up: All children must be signed in and out by the same adult. If a different adult will pick-up, please tell the playcare staff the full name of the alternate person when you sign-in.
Facility Wide: Guest of any venue may utilize Playcare. Cell phone number and location are recorded on the check-in sheet in case a Playcare staff needs to reach a parent. Parents must stay on-site at all times. Please keep your phone nearby with the volume turned on.
Time: Maximum of one 2 hour session per day (see above; minimum of 1 hour “guaranteed”).
Snacks: Please send your child to playcare with a healthy snack in a labeled bag/ container or inside of their backpack. PLEASE, NO nut products or chocolates/ candy, due to allergies and health issues.
Drinks: Water is encouraged. Please use a labeled, spill-proof containers.
Restrooms/ Toileting: Children must arrive wearing a clean diaper. Potty-trained children should be taken to the restroom prior to sign-in. (Kroc Center child supervision policies do not permit staff to perform diapering tasks or assist with taking clothes on or off).
Changing Diapers: Our Playcare attendants are not permitted to change diapers. If a diaper change is required, the Playcare attendant will contact you.
Potty Training: Let us know if your child is potty training- we want to support a successful transition! Please send your child in bottoms they can easily take on & off by themselves. Children in early stages of potty training may be most comfortable with a parent assisting them. Staff will ask frequently if any children need to use the restroom and if a younger child requests the help of a parent; we will call or send for you. Please have your phone accessible so we can best assist with your potty training.
Illness: Please do NOT bring your child to playcare if they are not feeling well. If a child has any mucus that is not clear, our attendant will ask that the child returns another day. COVID or not, a sick child will not have an enjoyable experience and we do not want to risk spreading any illness to other individuals.
Cleaning: The room, equipment, and toys are cleaned daily.
Staff: Our Kroc Associates are background checked and child safety trained.
Crying: Our staff will do their best to soothe upset children by holding younger children or attempting find toys or activities to engage him/ her. Staff may contact a parent if a child cries longer than 10 minutes without calming.
Helping your child transition to playcare for the first time:
Start off with short stays for children new to playcare, especially if they are not accustomed to being watched by people other than close family.
Establish a goodbye routine. It may seem tempting to quickly sneak away, but that could result in tears and confusion when she/ he realizes you’re gone.
Arrive with enough time to get your child and his/ her belongings settled, especially if you’re trying to get to a class or program that has a start time.
Clothing: All children are required to keep their shoes and/or socks on at all times.
No photography of any type is allowed by parents or children
Behaviors: Biting & Hitting: We must provide a safe experience for all children. Therefore, we have the following progressive policy:
First Offense: Staff will have child take a break from activity for one-minute per age
Second Offense: Child will be removed from the Playcare area, parents will be contacted immediately, and a report will be made to the parents.
Third Offense: The child will be removed from Playcare, a report will be made to the parents, and the child will be restricted from the Playcare for one week. The following week the child may return but if subsequent offenses occur, the child will be restricted from Playcare for an additional week. We may reach out to the parent to discuss ways to partner for a more successful playcare experience.
It is recommended that all parents and guardians please send children to Playcare with a labeled bag of diapers and wipes (if needed), something to eat and drink in spill-proof, labeled, container, a change of clothes, and a comfort item.