Human Resources: child care center

Mercy Regional Medical Center opened the first employee child care center in the Four Corners area in July, 1989. The Center was founded due to a grass roots effort by Mercy employees in researching the need for the service and accomplishing all the work to remodel a neighborhood house owned by the hospital and to equip it with donated supplies. The original center was licensed by the state of Colorado for 27 children. The Center moved into a larger facility in 1994 and was licensed to care for 10 infants, 10 toddlers, and 20 preschoolers. In the spring of 2006, Mercy Employee Child Care Center moved to Three Springs with the hospital. We are now licensed for 10 infants, 21 toddlers, 20 preschoolers, and 10 school-age children.

The mission of the Center is to provide a safe, secure, yet stimulating environment wherein each child may experience success, thus developing a sense of self-worth. Our developmentally appropriate program fosters emotional, social, physical, as well as intellectual growth.

Within this creative, learning environment, we provide the highest quality child care. You can trust that while in our charge, your child will be well cared for in a clean, healthy environment, in an atmosphere free from stress and anxiety. Parents are welcome at the Center at all times. Our role, as we see it, is to extend, reinforce and complement a child's home and family.

Daily outdoor play, healthy meals and snacks, regular naps, and consistent hand washing habits promote the wellness of the child in our care. The Center follows the guidelines of Colorado Child and Adult Food Program. Two balanced, nutritious snacks and lunch are served daily.

The Center employs thirteen staff members on a daily basis and eight substitute staff. Approximately 95% of the staff members are group leaders. As required by state licensing, the Center's staffing ratios are: Infants 5:1, Young Toddlers 5:1, Older Toddlers 7:1 and Preschoolers 10:1. Infants may range in age from six weeks to eighteen months, young toddlers from one to two and a half years, older toddlers from two to three years and preschoolers from two and a half years to kindergarten-age. The Center serves children of Mercy employees, but also accepts enrollment from the medical office building on campus, if space is available. Approximately 85 children use the 61 licensed spots at the Center during a given week due to the flexible schedules of health care workers. Early pre-registration is encouraged as the waiting list can be up to a year long. Infant and toddler spaces are especially in high demand, which is a nation-wide trend.

As of July 2009 we have been given 3 out of 4 stars from Qualistar, Early Learning. Qualistar measures the quality in Colorado licensed early childhood programs. Some comments from Qualistar include:

• "There is ample space and furnishings for the children. The classrooms are inviting and include materials and interest centers that are appropriate for the skills and ages of the children enrolled. Many child-centered pieces of artwork and photos of the children and families are displayed throughout the classrooms, adding the warm atmosphere."
• "Each classroom received a perfect '7' in Greeting/departing, signifying staff make an effort to greet each child and parent as they arrive, as well as share information about the children's health and activities."
• "The classrooms have many materials to promote children's skill development in interest centers such as books, nature/science, blocks, and fine motor. Children are encouraged to communicate with each other and staff throughout the day. Staff ask questions to stimulate conversation and encourage communication with non-verbal children."
• "The staff interact with the children in a warm, positive way. Staff use supervision as teachable moments, and help children talk through their conflicts. Staff show children much physical affection and encourage good behavior."

The Center is open Monday through Friday, 5:45 A.M. to 6:30 P.M., year-round. Actual hours depend on the scheduled needs of the children.

Because of the non-profit nature of the Hospital and the Center, donations are tax deductible. Any donation of money, equipment, or toys or other materials should be brought to the Center. The donations will be made to the Mercy Health Foundation in the name of the Child Care Center.

We accept enrollment without discrimination with regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, or physical or mental handicap.