Johnson develops individualized care plans for each child and keeps careful records of medications and activities. Like many such centers, Feeling Better provides meals and snacks tailored to the child s dietary needs during their illness. Chicken noodle soup is a staple. Her employer, Applied Materials, a semiconductor manufacturer, picks up the rest of the tab. Johnson said that financial backing from corporations is essential for centers to stay afloat since their census fluctuates considerably.
Many companies are clamoring to offer the perk.
Gloria Debs, an employee services manager for Sun Microsystems Inc., a computer systems manufacturer, said that offering reduced rates for Feeling Better has been an important benefit. Sun does not require employees to come to work when their children are ill, Debs added, but providing Feeling Better as an option contributes to the overall impression that Sun values its employees. As for Shirley, the center has provided both quality care for her child and peace of mind for her.