March 9, 2001

Rainbow colors decorate the windows, a slide and jungle gym sit invitingly, and peals of laughter ring out from the Warren Lobby. This is the MGH Backup Child Care Center, a hospital resource that was created to provide emergency child care for MGH and Partners employees and patients. Because of the distinctive purpose of the center, "every day is different," says Mary Zenk Westmoreland, the center's director. "This is not a typical day care center."

The center arose in response to the plight of professional women at the MGH who also are mothers. It is a resource for employees when day care or babysitting arrangements fall through, especially during the winter months when school and day care closings often cause child care emergencies. Another motivating factor in establishing the center was the need for readily accessible care for both pediatric patients and for the children of adult patients at the hospital.

Today, the center boasts a full-time certified staff, including educators who are specially trained to assist children dealing with family illness. "We have child life specialists, a music therapist and teachers who are trained to deal with separation issues," explains Westmoreland. Another notable aspect of the center is its special program for children receiving radiation therapy. "It's a piece of normalcy, a break in their medical routine," Westmoreland says. Children attending the center can enjoy computers, a climbing wall and sand pit, art and dramatic play exercises and a variety of other fun activities.

During school vacations, parents can take advantage of the Vacation Club, a program held six times a year for children 6 to 12 years of age. Each session can accommodate up to 20 children and features field trips, special guests and presentations.
Children of all patients and MGH and Partners employees with benefits are eligible for enrollment at the Backup Child Care Center, provided they are 15 months to 12 years old. The center cannot care for children who have colds, the flu or other communicable illnesses. Staffer Renee Stolar, far right, with children at the Backup Child Care Center.

The center is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. The rate for care is $4 per hour, with a two-hour payment minimum. Parents may use the center up to five consecutive days and/or 20 days per calendar year, with possible exceptions for unusual circumstances.Above all, the center staff wants to remind MGHers of the purpose of its services. "We love to make the children happy, and that's what we try our best to do," says Westmoreland.

For more information, call 724-7100.