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 VINELAND -- Christina Colon wanted to send her daughter to a medical day care like Weisman Children's Rehabilitation Hospital, but the ride was far too long.
With the closest location in Marlton, Colon kept her 4-year-old epileptic daughter at home, unable to make the hour-long trip.
But with a new Weisman Children's Medical Day Care Center on West Sherman Avenue, the Vineland resident sees a positive opportunity for her daughter, Zyasia Guzman, and children like her.
"We feel by sending her here, she'll be able to start to grow more and develop more," Colon said. "I'll be comfortable enough to know she's OK."
The medical day care center for children -- decorated with Dr. Seuss characters painted on the hallway walls -- is the first of its kind in Vineland, said Richard Shepherd, Weisman Children's Rehabilitation Hospital administrator. It is the fifth Weisman facility in the state.
With a location here, at least 14 children won't have to travel from the city to Marlton for the medical care they seek, said Shepherd.
"For those kids, it's going to be a much better situation," he said. "We expect to be open in about a week and we expect to be full."
About 23 children (including the 14 who travel to the Marlton location from Vineland) are already enrolled in the new Vineland location, which can accommodate 27 children, said Brenda Kirkland, administrator of the Marlton center.
The centers help children who require the services of a nurse during the day for a reason that usually keeps them from attending other day care programs, Kirkland said.
Children receive nursing care and are also exposed to supportive services such as speech, feeding, physical and occupational therapies, Kirkland said.
The centers also accommodate educational needs and provide transportation to and from the child's home, Shepherd said.
The Weisman medical day care programs have one staff member for every three children. Vineland's currently has 16 staff members, from skilled nurses to therapists, she said.
Article courtesy of The Daily Journal.com
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