By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
HaysMed plans to have its new child care facility complete by the end of this summer.
In analyzing the need for child care in Ellis County, the hospital estimated it would use 260 slots just for its employees, said Shae Veach, HaysMed vice president of regional operations during a Hays Chamber luncheon March 31.
Ground already has been broken on the new center. It will be east of the Center of Health Improvement next to the hospital's fitness trail.
The center will have 70 slots for children infants through age 6. All of the slots will be dedicated to HaysMed staff. Those slots will be awarded through a lottery system, which will be offered in late spring.
The hospital has recruitment and retention shortfalls, Veach said. The hospital hopes to use the child care center as an employment incentive, Veach said.
Although the child care center should help with recruiting, Veach said more industry, jobs and housing also would help the hospital recruit.
Veach said hospital officials hope hospital employees' children will fill the HaysMed child care slots and that will open spots with other providers for community families.
At the last report, Ellis County still needs 542 new child care slots to meet demand.
Hours for the center will be 5:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Programming will be curriculum-based.
The center will have three outside play areas and a dedicated drop-off/pickup area. In addition, the child care center will use the fitness center gymnasium for playtime during inclement weather.
HaysMed will contract with an outside provider to operate the facility.
Construction of the facility is being funded through grants from the Hays Medical Center Foundation, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Hadley Foundation and Nex-Tech. Veach said the project is a little short of money so he is still seeking grants.
Completion of the facility is set for Aug. 15. Veach said he anticipates the child care center will open all classrooms with all 70 slots on completion of the center in August.