New Day-Care Center Serves Mildly Ill Kids

An innovative program that gives parents a place to take their kids when they are sick with colds or other mild illnesses is one of the features of a new child care center at Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

The center will serve as a day-care and night-care facility for the children of hospital employees and others on a monthly basis if space is available.

It will be open for public tours on Saturday as part of a Family Festival and open house.

Parents who use Kids Care, the program for mildly sick children not able to go to school, will be charged $4.50 an hour ($3.25 an hour for hospital employees). It’s open to children 6 weeks to 15 years old.

The Child Care Center opened last month with space for 88 children.

“This is the first time we’re reaching out to the public,” said Tammy Reich, director of child care services at the medical center. “We wanted to make the opening a fun time for our employees and for the community, especially the children.”

At the festival, there will be several activities for children, including singing with Music Bob, face painting and arts and crafts activities. Free refreshments will be provided.

Employees of the medical center will be given top priority at the child care center, but Reich said that there is currently plenty of room for everyone who is interested.

The Family Festival and open house is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Child Care Center, next to the Medical Center, 18460 Cantara St., Northridge. For information, call (818) 885-5498.