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It’s 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, and the children at the BWH Backup Child Care Center already are brimming with excitement for the afternoon activity: chocolate fondue with fruit and graham crackers.
Fondue, arts and crafts, bowling and field trips are part of the reason that 6-year-old Dylan Sacks calls the center “the special place.”
“Dylan just loves this place, and he has friends here,” said his father, David Sacks, MD, a BWH pathologist. “As a parent, it’s very reassuring to have a place where you can take your child and not worry about him. It’s a great facility.”
Dylan, who received a hug from another child upon his arrival, has been coming to the center for vacation clubs for several years. He’s in good company. This past year, the Backup Child Care Center, which provides emergency backup child care in a pinch and planned vacation clubs for children of BWH employees and patients, had 1,519 visits from children ages 8 weeks through 12 years, a number that likely will increase this year.
The rise in visits since the center’s opening at 850 Bolyston St. nearly three years ago is thanks in part to four creative teachers, including Jerry Rhodes. The enthusiasm of Rhodes, an artist and long-time teacher, permeates the center as he plans fun activities like tie-dye, wood-carving and outings for the children. “I love it here,” Rhodes said.
The kids love it, too. “I like the field trips, especially to the aquarium,” said David Jones, 10, who was looking forward to the chocolate fondue extravaganza.
Many children are frequent visitors to the center. “A lot of the kids look forward to seeing their friends here. They often don’t want to leave when their parents come to pick them up.” said Director Christine Clarke.
In addition to BWH patients and employees, the center also is open to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute patients who are treated at BWH.
Now that the school year is underway, the Backup Child Care Center is here during early dismissals, snow days and closings for teacher professional days. You can sign up 30 days in advance or on the day that care is needed.
For more information, visit www.partners.org/childcare/home.html and select BWH Backup Child Care Center or call 617-732-9543.