THE PHYLLIS BODEL CHILDCARE CENTER AT THE YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
EDWARD S. HARKNESS MEMORIAL HALL 
367 CEDAR STREET 
NEW HAVEN, CT 06510 
Telephone: (203) 785-3829 
Director: Cynthia Olson, M.S.

Program and Philosophy
The Phyllis Bodel Center is based on the belief that while human development progresses in a predictable sequence, each individual is a developmentally unique. The curriculum and teaching area adapted to each child's individual abilities and interests, and activities are introduced when children are best able to master them. The activities enhance and challenge all areas of development -- physical, social, emotional, and intellectual. Parents are welcome throughout the day to feed and visit with the children. For infants, developing basic secure and trusting relationships is a primary task. Teachers foster this trust through frequent physical contact, sensitive responses to infants' signals, and mutual delight in interactions. For toddlers, daily experiences include simple art projects, dramatic play, and free play that encourages manipulation, imitation, and exploration. For all children through pre-school, social skills such as empathy, caring, and sharing are also emphasized through interactions with warm, responsible, and encouraging caregivers. 

Background
The Phyllis Bodel Childcare Center was originally conceived and organized by women faculty and postdoctoral fellows at the Yale school of Medicine to provide on-site care for the children of women in medicine. It was named in honor of Dr. Phyllis Bodel, a mother of three and the first director of the Office of Women in Medicine. The program began in 1979 with seven infants. The Center currently serves 70 children ranging in age from six weeks to five years, full or part time. 

Fees, Enrollment, Hours, and Who to Contact
Fees:
Full-time infant/toddler  $1320/month
Full-time preschool $1123/month

Enrollment: The Childcare Center is affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine and is open to all children in the community. First priority is given to parents who are faculty, students, or postdoctoral fellows at Yale School of Medicine. This priority scale is used in administering the scholarship fund. The infant and toddler rooms have a teacher-child ratio of at least 1 to 3. The preschool teacher-child ratios are 1 to 3 for two to three year olds, and 1 to 5 for to three to five year olds. 

Hours: The Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. all year except for holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year's. 

For more information, contact Cynthia Olson, Director, at 203-785-3829. 

Return to the Early Childcare Education and Childcare at Yale Home Page.