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The Early Learning Center was opened to provide Memorial’s employees with on-campus child care and education so that they could focus on providing exceptional care to patients without worrying about their children.

Special memories combined with educational activities make Memorial’s Early Learning Center unforgettable to the children of hospital employees.

The Early Learning Center was opened to provide Memorial’s employees with on-campus child care and education so that they could focus on providing exceptional care to patients without worrying about their children.

“This progressive service benefits the children of employees, parents and, ultimately, patients by ensuring they have the undivided attention of the nurses, physicians and other medical team members who are dedicated to helping them get well,” says Peggy Urlacher, director of the Early Learning Center.

Precious moments in children’s lives

The center is not just a practical solution. It’s an experience that evokes warm feelings and wonderful memories decades later.

Morgen Anyan, now a sophomore at Washington State University, was among the first students to benefit from the center, which opened in 1981.
 
“I remember caroling through the hospital at Christmastime and parading around in our Halloween costumes, making sure to visit each area of the hospital where our parents worked so they could see us and take pictures,” Anyan says.

Learning was fun because it was disguised with activities and playtime, but her favorite moments came at lunch, Anyan says.

“Having mom come visit at lunch made me feel special,” she says. “I loved spending time with her and showing her the art or craft I made that morning.”

Care you can trust

Mark George, RN, a staff nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit (surgery recovery) had two children in Memorial’s Early Learning Center.

“My wife and I both have careers,” George says. “We could focus on our jobs better knowing our kids were well taken care of. If something came up, I was right across the street.”

Few things give parents peace of mind like knowing their kids are safe, happy and receiving quality care and education.

“The benefit of campus child care has made a significant impact in the lives of hundreds of Memorial families and the patients they serve,” Urlacher says. “Everyone benefits when our kids are in dependable hands.”