
Working On A STEM Project
The Kindergarten Readiness Program (4 to 6 years) focuses on socialization skills, along with providing varied levels of exposure to academics to prepare your child for Kindergarten.
Children experience cognitive learning games at this age level. We continue the development of large and small motor functions as they become even bigger explorers of the world around them.
We encourage creative and dramatic play among peers as their communication skills begin to sharpen.
Kindergarten Readiness Program
Our curriculum in preparing your child for Kindergarten concentrates on spending time on art, literature and emergent literacy, music, science and listening materials through the use of Learning Centers.
We provide a balance between free creative play, large group activities, small group sessions and individual participation according to each child’s level of growth.
Our staff plans varied experiences for children throughout the day including:
- Math Concepts
- Emergent Literacy (letter and word recognition)
- Science (STEM- science, technology, engineering and math)
- Arts (art, colors, sculpting, painting, bead work)
- Music and Dramatic Play
Children are encouraged to engage in self-expression to help build confidence, independence and foster identity.
Cross-Ministry Collaboration

Unique Opportunities For Children
St.Mary Child Care Center also offers a unique experience for your child. St. Mary Child Care Center has partnered with Marywood Nursing Care Center in a cross-ministry collaboration.
Together our two ministries offer the Intergenerational Preschool Program: Project Wonder and Wisdom. On a weekly basis the children go over to Marywood Nursing Care Center where they meet with their Senior Buddies.
Here the children and Seniors learn together, interact, socialize and share lunch. This offers the children an opportunity to be with elders; those they may not otherwise come in contact with.
It teaches the children the core values for ministry of Respect for Human Dignity, Compassion, Transformation, Solidarity with the Poor and Justice & Peace.
The Seniors receive the gift of love, companionship and friendship. It helps the Seniors to stay active, to stimulate their memory and provides them with opportunities to exercise their large and fine motor skills.
These experiences lead to a more expressive and interested child who loves to learn. Creating those life-long learners is a primary goal at St. Mary Child Care Center. We love to your child succeed in our programs and beyond them into their academic career!
Is My Child Ready For Kindergarten?

Expression Through Art And Play
Parents come to our center with this question all the time. As your child reaches that Kindergarten age level it is important to consider whether or not they are ready for the next step.
In Kindergarten your child will meet many new challenges academically, emotionally and socially. When deciding weather you child is ready for Kindergarten, look beyond their age.
Seek advice from your child’s preschool teachers, your pediatrician, your child’s future kindergarten teacher but most of all rely on your own intuition. You know your child best! Read more important information on Kindergarten Readiness.
At St. Mary Child Care Center we offer early childhood programs through Kindergarten Readiness. Our programs are structured to build upon each other.
This helps your child to progress physically, emotionally and socially and meet their developmental milestones. Our Kindergarten Readiness Program helps to prepare your child for Kindergarten through a more guided curriculum in academics.
They learn what will be expected of them as they prepare to transition into to Kindergarten.