Informing the Strategic Planning Process of a Childcare Center

The Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC) is an Albert Einstein College of Medicine-operated clinical program that provides comprehensive care to children and adults with developmental disabilities. RFK CERC engaged a Capstone team to explore the development of an early childcare center. The team examined integrated childcare models, which provide for the care of all children in the same room, regardless of physical and language ability. The team also researched multiple funding streams to support and sustain a future program. The team interviewed various subject matter experts and conducted a literature review to learn more about integrated models. Utilizing their findings, the team designed and administered a survey for the RFK CERC patient population and Einstein staff, which provides information on demographics, the need for childcare services, and barriers to accessing childcare services. The team’s final report provides recommendations and informs RFK CERC’s development of a childcare center.