Need child care while you’re on campus? Dallas College, together with the YMCA, is excited to offer free drop-in child care at our El Centro campus.
Coming Soon: Richland, North Lake and Mountain View locations!
The Child Watch Program provides space for the children of eligible Dallas College students. It is available each day on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Program Benefits
When your children are in the Child Watch program, you have the freedom to use that time as you see fit. You might:
Child Watch Program Services
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Eligible families can receive the following services at no cost:
- Children drop-off for ages 3-12 for up to 4 hours at a time.
- 20 spots are available per four-hour time slot.
- First come, first served availability each day.
- Daily activities provided.
Child watch services are currently available at El Centro and Richland Campuses.
Eligibility
Eligible Dallas College students must be:
- Currently enrolled
- Taking at least one course at Dallas College
- The parent of children between the ages of 3-12
Immigration status is not considered for enrollment.
Ready to use drop-in child care
What You Need:
- Dallas College Student ID
- State-issued ID
Register: We recommend you complete the Child Watch paperwork on the YMCA website before your first visit however, you can also register on site. For questions email ParentingStudents@DallasCollege.edu.
View Instructions for Registering (login required)
Interested in receiving regular updates about the Child Watch program?
El Centro Campus
Visit Us
- Room P-228
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Downtown Health Sciences Center
301 N. Market St.
Dallas, TX 75202 - View Child Watch at El Centro Map
Contact Us
Hours for Child Watch at El Centro
- Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m.
Richland Campus
Visit Us
- Room K-101 (use west entrance/side doors)
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Richland Campus
12800 Abrams Road
Dallas, TX 75243 - Parking Lot Z or ZZ
- View Child Watch at Richland Map
Contact Us
Hours for Child Watch at Richland
- Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 7 p.m.
What to Expect
Potty Training Requirements
- To ensure the best experience for all children, it is preferred that children attending Child Watch be potty trained. However, this is not a requirement. Parents of children who are not yet potty trained should remain accessible by phone during their child's time in Child Watch, as we may need to contact them for a diaper change. For safety and hygiene reasons, Child Watch staff are unable to assist with diaper changes.
Professor Communications
- It’s important to communicate with your professor about any requests or concerns related to being a student parent. For example, you might send a message like this: ”I wanted to inform you that my child(ren) are enrolled in the college's drop-in child care program. As a result, I need to keep my phone with me during class so I can remain accessible in case of any safety concerns or emergencies.”