On-site day care is coming to the Health Science Center
By Betsy Friauf
Jason Beckstrand is a second-year medical student, president of a professional student organization, and an Ambassador for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
And if that’s not enough to keep him busy, he’s the father of two little boys younger than 4.
He and his wife, Jen, are overjoyed about the onsite day care center that’s planned for UNT Health Science Center, where TCOM is located.
“What I wouldn’t give to have the peace of mind knowing that my children were safe, close by, and cared for by people that I already know have high values and integrity,” Beckstrand said.
Creation of the day care center is in response to a University-wide survey showing the need for onsite care for the children of students and employees. The center is planned to open by August 2016 and will adhere to the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
It’s part of the See 2020 project designed in part to help the Health Science Center, located in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, become a Great Place to Work.
In addition to the rigorous education required to become an osteopathic physician, Beckstrand also is president of the student chapter of the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
He lived outside Texas before becoming a TCOM student. “Picture moving your young family to a brand-new area, having a complete lack of friends in town, a severely diminished availability of familial support, and no prospect of income for at least the next four years,” he said.
Beckstrand said of UNTHSC, “Coupled with the high family values that our institution already demonstrates, an onsite day care center would help provide the peace of mind necessary to make the UNT Health Science Center a nationally desirable destination for a family-minded medical student to obtain his/her education.”
Social media