After five years of planning, development and construction, UHS Child Care opened this spring, introducing youngsters and their parents to the Southern Tier’s most innovative, state-of-the-art child care center, where fun and learning combine to form a warm, wonderful experience every day.
UHS is partnering with Bright Horizons, which brings a holistic educational philosophy to enrich the lives of kids, including an infant group (6 weeks to 18 months), toddlers (18 months to 3 years), preschool (3 to 4 years), and kindergarten prep (4 to 5 years). There will also be a school-age program with summer and day camps when school is not in session.
Warm, caring and innovative
The entire facility—a magnificently remodeled former supermarket—is designed from the perspective of young children, with age-appropriate and challenging educational toys and materials. It features a movement room for large-muscle activities, a library, an active-learning laboratory and developmentally appropriate outdoor playgrounds. Youngsters are encouraged to explore many interests.
Maureen Mecca, director of the center, is excited about what the facility offers the diverse community that is Greater Binghamton today. Consideration for the backgrounds and needs of the children is central. “Open-ended” toys—without one particular purpose but with many possible uses depending on the child’s imagination—are the standard. The project was made possible by a $5 million grant from the UHS Foundation and $1.2 million in state funds secured by New York Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.
Staff and teachers of UHS Child Care
Nourishing a diverse community
Food is served by UHS Food & Nutrition’s delivery and catering team, with accommodations for those with allergies or special dietary needs. Class décor focuses on seasons out of consideration for the many cultures and religions represented. “There are so many different cultures, so many different colors, shapes and sizes of families, and we are lucky to be tapping into that and seeing that reflected in our center,” Ms. Mecca says. Staff complete a thorough, rigorous diversity, equity and inclusion training and are also trained to support children with special needs.
Enrollment in the center is open to both UHS employees and members of the community, with eligible UHS staff receiving a reduced rate. Anne DePugh, system director of Population Health Management at UHS, had been part of the center’s planning and knew she wanted to enroll her own children there right from the start. She comments: “The facility itself is unbelievably gorgeous. Absolutely state-of-the-art. Beautiful, light, airy, friendly and welcoming. I knew this would be the best place for my 3½-year-old son.”
Imagination meets care at the heart of Johnson City’s vibrant new UHS Child Care.
