by Amanda Steinle
S
hawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) strives to provide whole-person care not only to patients but also to its associates and their children. With an onsite Child Care Center, SMMC associates can focus on their work duties with the assurance that their children are cared for in a Christian educational environment. The SMMC Child Care Center offers much more than just childcare to its 550 enrolled students. Like the hospital, the Center is committed to developing the whole child: socially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, academically and physically. It is the largest Seventh-day Adventist school in the Mid-America Union and is open to children ages six weeks to 12 years. During a nationwide nursing shortage in the late 1970’s, nurses at SMMC requested childcare that didn’t require traditional contracts and had extended hours for healthcare workers. Candy Seltman took hold of the project, which became a reality in August of 1979, with 44 children the first day. Today, Seltman still serves as the Center’s administrative director. The excellence met by the SMMC Child Care Center is not surprising, considering its values. Teachers believe every person is unique, so they strive to meet each child’s needs on an individual basis. They encourage spontaneity and foster the curiosity and inquisitiveness of the developing mind. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, think creatively and make their own decisions. With love, attention and praise, teachers guide and enhance this process through materials and activities. “We ensure that each child will be ready for school and learning,” Seltman said. Included in the Center’s curriculum are traditional subjects such as math, science, social studies, communication and literacy. However, teachers expand
Photo courtesy of Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Much Morethan Child Care
Candy Seltman, SMMC Child Care Center's administrative director, reads to the children.
and enhance learning with field trips, social-emotional development, art, music, physical development, baby sign language, foreign language exposure and Christian values. “Christian values are taught to the children by relating their little life experiences to Jesus and to stories in the Bible,” Seltman said. Teachers use Bible stories to instill genuine values, such as an appreciation for concern and caring, learning to share and forgive, and being kind to friends. The children read and listen to Bible stories, sing spiritual music and have devotionals and prayer times to learn the importance of Christ’s ministry. The Center’s outstanding instruction begins with teaching the teachers. By setting a solid example, teachers show the children how to make good choices and be respectful, compassionate and caring toward others. “[Volunteers offer] an extra pair of hands to provide love and caring for the children,” Seltman said. Teachers work collaboratively as a school family. Welcoming innovative and fresh ideas, they also partner with parents to foster a zest for learning. “That creates a team approach to helping a child learn and grow,” Seltman said. “We are building a foundation for lifelong learning.” When associates know their children are in good hands, they can wholeheartedly provide SMMC’s patients with much more than medicine.
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Mid-America Outlook
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November 2009
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