Schools & Childcare
At Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), we do everything possible to maintain a normal routine for children. From Hutch School to local children’s activities, we want our pediatric patients and their families to have the support they need during their stay.
Many young SCCA patients, their school-age family members, and the school-age family members of adult patients cannot attend their regular schools while temporarily living in Seattle. That doesn’t mean they must put their education on hold.
Hutch School
Hutch School has been offering a supportive learning environment for these children for more than 17 years.
The goal of Hutch School is to work with each student’s parents and home school to coordinate credits and class requirements as well as meet other special needs. Hutch School staff members also recognize that students are experiencing a difficult time and need extra kindness, flexibility and individual attention. There is a clinical social worker onsite to address the emotional needs of students. The school also offers special programs, like visits from Art with Heart.
Hutch School is located at Pete Gross House. Patients can receive instruction through all phases of their treatment: in the hospital with Seattle Children’s teachers, and at home or at Hutch School with Hutch School teachers.
SCCA patients and family members in kindergarten through 12th grade are welcome to enroll at any time during the school year. Parents are encouraged to enroll children before arriving in Seattle. Start the process by calling Hutch School at (206) 667-1400, or send e-mail to hutchsch@fhcrc.org. Parents can also enroll their children when they arrive. SCCA social workers are available to help.
Childcare
Here are some childcare resources.
- Annie’s Nannies, (206) 784-8462. A professional nanny referral service. Ask for Annie Davis.
- Best Sitters, Inc., (206) 682-2556 or (425) 455-5533. Four-hour minimum required.
- Child Care Resources Seattle/North King County, (206) 329-1011. Referral line: (425) 865-9350. A childcare resource and referral agency serving King County, Washington.
- The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, (860) 429-3444. A summer camp founded by Paul Newman for children with cancer and serious blood diseases, located in Ashford, Connecticut.
- Nanny Broker, Inc., Judi Julin, RN. Seattle: (206) 624-1213; Eastside: (425) 392-5681. A professional nanny referral service.
- Parents Anonymous of Washington, (206) 233-0156. Family Help Line: (800) 932-HOPE (4673). A 24-hour help line for parents who seek information and support in raising their children.
- Seattle’s Child Newspaper. Includes information on children’s activities and resources. Pick up a free copy at public libraries or local stores.
- Tender Loving Care at Virginia Mason Hospital, 1201 Terry Avenue, (206) 583-6521. Day-care center for mildly ill children. Staffed by registered nurses.
Playroom
The playroom is a waiting area designed for children ages 10 and under, located on the fifth floor of SCCA. It is open Monday through Friday during clinic hours. For more information, call the Child Life specialist at (206) 288-7621. The playroom is not supervised by SCCA staff. Read about Child Life specialists.
Seattle Children’s Schools Services
Seattle Children’s offers school services for patients. Learn more.
Disclaimer: The above information is solely for the purpose of assisting SCCA patients and their families and caregivers with acclimating to Seattle. We do not endorse these services or products.
Art with Heart
Once a month since January 2002, enthusiastic volunteers from Art with Heart have arrived at the Hutch School with art supplies in hand and set the students upon fun and creative projects to help them express their experiences with serious illness.