Child Development Center

The hospital owns and operates an infant/toddler program that is located adjacent to the main campus building. The program accepts the children of Castle employees from six to thirty weeks of age.

Our Mission

An integral part of Castle Medical Center, the Child Development Center provides a service that supports the overall mission of the hospital. It is dedicated to:

• Reflecting the love for children, exemplified by Jesus Christ
• Providing consistent, dependable child care for hospital employees, our medical staff, and the community
• Increasing productivity of medical center staff by providing a safe, nurturing environment for their children.

Our Philosophy

Children are unique individuals who deserve love and respect as they develop at their own pace. The Child Development Center’s program encourages individual development through activities that foster social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. As each child grows and interacts with peers, he or she experiences new challenges and begins to develop self-esteem.

Our Staff

The Child Development Center has a staff of eleven child caregivers. Many staff members have degrees in early childhood education or in related fields. All have many years of experience with children.

The Center’s caregivers participate in each child’s life, becoming part of his or her extended family. They help capture the child’s zest for learning, encourage spontaneity, and preserve and foster curiosity and inquisitiveness in the developing mind. The caregivers provide an abundance of opportunities for the child’s learning environment, with love being the essential ingredient.

Enrollment Criteria

The Center accepts children from six weeks to thirty months of age. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, according to age.

Developed as a benefit for Castle Medical Center employees, the Child Development Center is now open to the children of employees’ relatives, affiliated physicians and their office staff, medical center volunteers, and the community, as space permits.

Daily Operations

The Center operates form 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Lunch and two nutritious snacks are provided daily. The cost of meals is included in the tuition.

The Center provides disposable diapers and wipes, the cost of which is also included in the tuition. If a child is ready for toilet training, staff members will help parents achieve this goal.

Daily Activities

The Center’s daily activities include the following:

• Free play and movement
• Circle time with music, books, and stories
• Sand play
• Water play
• Dramatic play
• Art
• Manipulative toys
• Problem solving
• Cuddling.

Parents are encouraged to visit during the day to feed, play, or just relax and enjoy time together with their children.

For information about enrollment or tuition, please call the Center’s manager at (808) 263‑5210.