CoxHealth launches school care program; Meyer Center to temporarily close

As needs arise, CoxHealth continually strives to be the best for its patients, region – and employees, who are dedicated to serving the community. When needs present themselves, the health system works to be as innovative as possible to find solutions.

Today, this effort manifests through the development of a school care program to serve employees’ children when traditional seated classes aren’t an option.

“We realize that this is a significant matter for employees, many of whom have school-age children,” says Andy Hedgpeth, vice president of Human Resources at CoxHealth. “We greatly appreciate our staff’s dedication and hard work for our patients, so we want to do everything we can to support them during this time and help them stay at work. We’ve already seen efforts by leaders and fellow staff to innovate with creative scheduling and work arrangements to help parents impacted by reduced school schedules. We appreciate their flexibility as we all pitch in and find ways to support one another. We also amended our remote work policy to allow employees in certain roles to work remotely when faced with childcare restrictions due to COVID-19.”

In line with this program, The Meyer Center will temporarilyclose as a fitness center and instead will be utilized to house students overthe next few months.

While the detailed framework of this program is still being defined, it will feature a structured environment where students can attend classes virtually, complete their assignments, and be supervised by individuals who can assist with questions and offer support. CoxHealth leaders are in discussion with OTC, Drury and Evangel to provide tutoring support for students in the program.

CoxHealth will accommodate as many of employees’ school-age kids as necessary, and may continue to evaluate additional venues as the program grows. The program is primarily geared towards students who are faced with virtual learning options through their school districts, but parents who do not feel comfortable sending their children to seated classes may also register for placement.

The program will run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, will be based in Springfield, and is open to grades K to 6. Daily fees will be based on their parent’s hourly wage, and will include meals for participating children. Drop-in care will be available for employees who are asked to work flexible schedules, including covering for colleagues who are unable to work their regular shifts. While parents are asked to preregister their children by August 11, students may join the program later in the semester if circumstances change.

After registering, a CoxHealth Learning Center representative will contact parents to gather additional state-required documents to finalize placement.