February 16, 2007

Backup Childcare Center gives parents peace of mind

Finding regular, reliable childcare is a challenge for many working parents. This can become even more difficult when the family's usual childcare provider is unable
to work because of an emergency, vacation or illness. MGH employees, however, have a valuable resource for when they are faced with an interruption in their children's care — the MGH Backup Childcare Center. Located in the Warren Lobby, the center cares for children ages 15 months through 12 years old and is open to hospital patients as well as MGH and Partners corporate employees.

The center's services can be utilized in a variety of circumstances — such as when normal childcare arrangements fail, schools or other childcare programs are closed, and when employees must work extra shifts or attend training or meetings outside of standard work hours. Recognizing that school vacations often pose a particular challenge for working parents, the center also offers special activities and programs during these times. For example, during school vacations in December, February, April and certain weeks in the summer, the center hosts a Vacation Club for children ages 6 through 12 years old. A variety of fun activities are packed into the Vacation Club schedule, including daily field trips and craft, cooking and science classes. Another program called Summer Fun Days offers school-age children daily specialty activities for short periods during the summer. During Vacation Club weeks and Summer Fun Days, younger children also are treated to age-appropriate and themed activities. Above, Bouma and his daughter, 3-year-old Reina

Brett Bouma, PhD, an associate professor for the MGH Wellman Center for Photomedicine, and Patricia Gannon, RTR, of the MGH Cardiology Division, are just two of the many parents who are grateful for the care available at the Backup Childcare Center. "My wife and I both work and we have two children, ages 3 and 5 years old," says Bouma. "Unfortunately, we do not have extended family in the area and having a reliable backup for childcare, especially one that is located at my place
of work, has been indispensable."

Gannon, the mother of a 7-year-old son, agrees. "I have been using the Backup Childcare Center since my son was 15 months old," she says. "It gives me great peace of mind to know that he is nearby, and I can drop in and check on him during the day."

For more information about the Backup Childcare Center, including rates, call (617) 724-7100 or visit www.partners.org/childcare.