When Cait and Sarah Hargrove received a call asking them to foster a newborn named Bear, they had no idea the importance a place called Sproutlings Pediatric Day Care & Preschool at Kosair for Kids would play in their lives. Now moms to three boys, two with medical concerns, they agree Sproutlings is more than just a day care. It’s family.

“Bear was born with reflux and premature lungs, but nothing to indicate anything medically serious,” said Cait. “Then one day, he couldn’t breathe.” This started a long, medical journey for the Hargroves.

The Hargroves, who both work full-time, quickly realized Bear’s current day care was not equipped to handle his breathing concerns. “I remember calling Sarah, and both of us crying, wondering what we were going to do,” said Cait.

Then, they were introduced to Sproutlings. It’s the only Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) center of its kind in the region, fully integrating medically fragile children with traditional care and preschool services for children without special needs. As a PPEC, it provides non-residential health care for children with medically complex conditions requiring continuous therapeutic or skilled nursing supervision. Its unique environment allows students to learn together in a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment.

At seven weeks old, Bear was enrolled in Sproutlings. As he entered pre-K, Bear’s health became very complex. He was diagnosed with three new medical conditions causing choking and breathing issues.

By this time, the Hargroves were also raising Leo, a boy the same age as Bear but with no medical issues. Because Sproutlings provides an inclusive, safe environment for children of all abilities, Leo and Bear could attend the same school.

“We love that our medically complex kids can see other kids like them, and our typical son was able to be in the same classroom as his brother. It’s just a special place,” said Sarah.

At one point, Bear was in the hospital for more than 50 days throughout the year. “His teachers would send him videos, cards from his classmates and care packages to keep him occupied,” said Cait.  When he returned to school, his classroom nurse, Ms. Rochon Joiner rolled with every change to his care, ensuring he received what he needed and often anticipating what he might need before it happened.

When Bear and Leo were four, Cait and Sarah received another call asking them to foster Bear’s biological brother, August. “Of course, the answer was yes,” said Cait.

Suffering from extreme asthma, August also became a part of the Sproutlings’ family and benefits from on-site nursing care.

Sproutlings has provided the Hargroves with what every parent wants, peace of mind that their children are safe.

“We can drop our kids off and sigh in relief knowing they are safe and will be cared for appropriately,” said Sarah.

Bear and Leo graduated from Sproutlings and now attend kindergarten. “Our big kids love coming back to see their old teachers, who are just as excited to see them,” Sarah added.

“Sproutlings helped us through some very challenging years of adjusting and learning our kids’ medical complexities,” said Sarah. As all three continue to grow, getting their start at Sproutlings gave them a chance at an even brighter future.

Help Sproutlings continue its mission.

March 4, 2025