Following a $1.4 million renovation, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital has unveiled its first two classrooms specifically designed for its ‘OZ’ program.
Optimization Zone (OZ) is an in-hospital, neurodevelopmental program for children aged 5 and younger with complex medical conditions. It provides structured social play and developmental stimulation, two important factors to help reduce the adverse developmental impacts that often accompany long-term hospitalization.
OZ started in 2022 in a makeshift space in the hospital’s South Gym. After seeing positive results from patients participating in OZ, the Ranken Jordan team wanted to grow the program and give it a permanent home. Two new OZ classrooms were announced in the spring of 2024 as part of a $1.4 million renovation.
In addition to the classrooms, the renovation included repurposing a nursing station and administrative space on the inpatient unit to create corrals, similar to playpens, for children under 5 to allow for more space to play. The project also included enhancements to the hospital’s art room to improve therapeutic art capabilities.
The OZ classrooms were the final stage of the renovation and are now fully up and running. Kristin LaRose, Chief Nursing Officer for Ranken Jordan, said the space represents more than a renovation.
“Our new classrooms send a huge message about our commitment to OZ and who we are as a hospital,” LaRose said. “We created OZ because the 0–5-year window is critical for a child’s neurodevelopment, and research shows children who are hospitalized are more likely to have developmental delays.
“We’ve seen tremendous improvements in the patients who have participated in OZ. The new classrooms offer more space so all children ages 0-5 at Ranken Jordan will be able to take part in this program. OZ is not just a permanent part of our building now; it’s a permanent part of our care.”