Local News in Brief : Huntington Beach : Day-Care Center for Sick Plans to Open Jan. 4

Public and private institutions will co-sponsor a new day-care program, including care for mildly ill children, to go into operation Jan. 4.

The city, the Huntington Beach City School District, Pacifica Community Hospital and National Pediatrics Support Services are negotiating details for the new day-care facility, to be located at 9700 Levee Drive in the renovated Burke School, which has been closed the last three years. An unspecified number of spaces will be reserved for employees of the hospital, a spokesman said.

Preschool and after-school care will be available for 160 children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 8 years. Weekly fees will be $130 for infant care; $90 for toddlers; $85 for preschoolers and $45 for 20 hours a week of after-school care.

Child-to-provider ratios will be 3.5 to 1 for infants; 6 to 1 for toddlers and 9 to 1 for preschoolers.

Care for mildly ill children will be offered to parents in the community as well as those registered in the day care center. Called “Rainbow Retreat,” the program was developed by National Pediatric Support Services, which operates a similar facility in Newport Beach and features an on-site health professional. It is open for children two months to 12 years.

Costs for sick child care will be $5 an hour, with a reduced rate for children in the program. For more information, call National Pediatric Support Services at (714) 261-2177.