COLBY – When availability of childcare became an issue for Citizens Medical Center employees, many of whom work 12-hour shifts, the Citizens Clubhouse childcare center was created on the grounds of the hospital.

Grant funding helped pay for the purchase, renovation and equipping of a used four-classroom modular unit into two preschool rooms, one toddler room and one infant room. A full preschool curriculum is offered, as well as mind stimulating environments for toddlers and infants with daily activities. The unit, which provides 35 available spots for children, was full when it opened on July 1. Due to feedback from hospital staff that a summer program was needed for school-aged children, a program that accommodates 15 older children was established at the Community Building.

Childcare is available from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Employee surveys show that the childcare program is attracting new staff members to the hospital and helping current employees decide to stay.

A collaboration with the Early Childhood program at Colby Community College provided staff members to teach at the center, while allowing students a place to complete required child observation hours.