Early childhood education is a tradition at St. Catherine University. Founded in 1931 by Sister Ann Harvey, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Center originated as a lab school to educate women in teaching young children.
Today, the Early Childhood Center meets a vital need for quality care and education of the young children of St. Catherine University students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community. Many second-generation children find their way back to the Center.
The Early Childhood Center at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota has a Four Star Parent Aware rating, the highest possible rating. We offer full-time educational services for children ages 33 months to six years.
Early Childhood Center outdoor learning environment
Early Childhood Center playground
Campus Nature Walks
Early Learning classroom
Early Learning large gathering space
Early Learning quiet rest time
Montessori Children's House classroom
Montessori sensorial area
Montessori gathering space and cultural area
Montessori math area
Early Learning students enjoying a concert on the St. Catherine University campus quad.
Entrance to Early Childhood Center
Playground at Early Childhood Center
Programs
We provide two authentic educational models: a Montessori Children's House and an Early Learning Program.
We offer small stable classroom groups that require a Monday through Friday full-time commitment. We offer two pick-up time options.
The St. Catherine University Montessori Children's House is based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, using her method, materials and ideology that education should be an aid to life. Children develop independence through choice of purposeful work. The teacher gives individual presentations guided by the interests and development of the child, providing the dynamic link between the child and the carefully prepared environment.
Children make choices daily as to what they will do. They feel at home where they are able to follow an interest to completion without interruption, further developing concentration, calmness, and joy. This joy is embodied through your child's expressed desire to connect with others and to participate in community and caring for the environment with contentment and peace. Montessori's methods prepare the child for life, allowing the process of self-construction to flourish.
This three-year program includes Kindergarten; serving children ages 33 months* to 6 years of age. We ask that parents enroll their children with this three-year commitment in mind. The first two years aid the development of independence, concentration, competence and consciousness through purposeful activity and serve as a foundation for third year. The third (and sometimes fourth) year is the kindergarten year, when a very broad range of academic work is eagerly pursued by your child. Learning throughout the three years comes naturally and spontaneously with joy, confidence and ease. Upon completion of the kindergarten year, your child is ready for first grade and to continue with a love of learning about others, the world and themselves.
The Early Learning Program is an educational program for children 33 months* to 5 years of age. Children experience group learning joyfully. They make new discoveries through self-directed activities and small group explorations about themes that have been carefully developed by the teaching staff. The various learning centers of math, science, language, socialization and play are integrated into the theme work.
Sensitivity and respect characterize our approach for your child: respect for the whole child as a person, for individual differences and learning style, for each child's right for intellectual and social growth, and to have the support of concerned adult when needed.
As a staff, we work hard to be responsive to the needs and interests of each child. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on fostering self-esteem, developing social awareness and a sense of community, encouraging independence, promoting language development, developing problem-solving skills, and providing challenging stimulation within a nurturing environment.
Our 11-week summer program is loosely based in the Montessori philosophy. The class utilizes the campus environment and spends a lot of time outdoors with special activities. It is open to both Montessori and Early Learning children.
The summer program is available for families enrolled in the previous academic program or those who are enrolled in the upcoming school year. Please call 651-690-6608 or email ecc@stkate.edu for information about our summer program.
Program Options
| September 2022 - May 2023 Options | Time | Hours of Operation | Weekly Cost | Monthly Tuition Payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montessori Children's House First Pick Up | M - F, 6.75 hours/day | 7:45am - 2:30pm | $277 | $1170 |
| Montessori Children's House Second Pick Up | M - F, 7.75 hours/day | 7:45am - 3:30pm | $318 | $1343 |
| Early Learning Program M-F | M - F, 6.75 hours/day | 8:30am - 3:15pm | $277 | $1170 |
| Early Learning Extended PM Hour | M - F, 7.75 hours/day | 8:30am - 4:15pm | $318 | $1343 |
| Summer 2023 Options | Time | Hours of Operation | Weekly Cost | Tuition (Two Installments) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montessori Children's House First Pick Up | M - F, 6.75 hours/day | 8:00am - 2:45pm | $277 | $1524 |
| Montessori Children's House Second Pick Up | M - F, 7.75 hours/day | 8:00am - 3:45pm | $318 | $1749 |
| September 2023 - May 2024 Options | Time | Hours of Operation | Weekly Cost | Monthly Tuition Payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montessori Children's House First Pick Up | M - F, 6.75 hours/day | 7:45am - 2:30pm | $288 | $1248 |
| Montessori Children's House Second Pick Up | M - F, 7.75 hours/day | 7:45am - 3:30pm | $331 | $1434 |
| Early Learning Program M-F | M - F, 6.75 hours/day | 8:30am - 3:15pm | $288 | $1248 |
| Early Learning Extended PM Hour | M - F, 7.75 hours/day | 8:30am - 4:15pm | $331 | $1434 |
Tuition for the school year is totaled and divided for a reoccurring monthly amount. Tuition for the summer is totaled and divided in half.
Our Program
The Staff
All of our teachers have university degrees and are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified. Lead teachers have specific education in early childhood areas, as well as years of experience teaching the age group.
St. Catherine University students assist during transition times in the early mornings, lunch time, and late afternoons.
School Enrollment Policy
The Center enrolls children from the University community and the general community. However, there is a preference given to families who are members of the St. Catherine University community (students, staff, faculty), and siblings of children currently enrolled.
The Center accepts children with special needs when we can meet their needs in the opinion of the staff, parents and appropriate professionals.
Families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to visit the Center. A visit can be scheduled by calling or emailing the Center and setting up an appointment with the Director.
*We take children 33 months old in the fall (September–December).
Current Enrollment
Knowing that family situations change, we encourage families to call us anytime during our business hours. We have been able to accommodate families on a last-minute basis.
Our Schedule
2022–2023 Academic Calendar
|
Date |
Event |
|---|---|
|
Wednesday, August 31, 9am-12pm |
Open House for All EL Families and Returning Montessori Families |
|
Thursday, September 1, 9am-12pm |
Montessori Phase-In for New Montessori Children |
|
Tuesday, September 6 |
ECC Opens for All Children |
|
Wednesday, September 14, |
Parent/Guardian Back to School Night |
|
Thursday, October 20 |
Prof. Development Day (MEA) - Center Closed |
|
Friday, October 21 |
SCU Fall Break - Center Closed |
|
Monday, October 31, 9am-10am |
Costumed Autumn Campus Walk |
|
Thursday - Friday, November 24 - 25 |
Thanksgiving - Center Closed |
|
Monday, Dec. 12, 2:45pm-3:15pm |
Winter Sing Along |
|
Wednesday, Dec. 21 - Tuesday, Jan. 3 |
Winter Break - Center Closed |
|
Monday, January 16 |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Center Closed |
|
Monday, February 20 |
Professional Development Day - Center Closed |
|
Friday, March 17 |
Professional Development Day - Center Closed |
|
Thursday, April 6 |
Professional Development Day - Center Closed |
|
Friday, April 7 and Monday, April 10 |
Good Friday and Easter Monday - Center Closed |
|
Friday, May 26 |
Last Day of School - Early Dismissal/Family Gathering |
2023 Summer Calendar
|
Date |
Event |
|---|---|
|
Monday, May 29 |
Memorial Day - Center Closed |
|
Tuesday, May 30 |
Program Turnaround - Center Closed |
|
Wednesday, May 31 |
ECC Opens for Summer Children |
|
Monday, June 19 |
Juneteenth - Center Closed |
|
Tuesday, July 4 |
Independence Day - Center Closed |
|
Friday, August 11 |
Last Day of Summer Program |
2023–2024 Calendar
Check back soon for the 2023-2024 calendar.
About Us
Lab School
Our Center offers two distinct approaches to early childhood education and provides opportunities for St. Catherine University students from many academic departments to observe, do fieldwork, and research. Additionally, we have University student staff supporting both programs, providing work experience in a professional setting.
License and Accreditation
The Early Childhood Center is licensed by the State Department of Human Services and meets or exceeds its requirements. We are also accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) until the year 2024 when we will be up for renewal.
We have a four star rating from Parent Aware, the state of Minnesota's Quality Rating System. It is good for two years, and renewal for us will be July 2024.
The ECC Montessori Children's House meet the requirements to be a Full Member School of the American Montessori Society and we renew our membership annually.
Diversity Statement
The Early Childhood Center honors, supports and celebrates the diversity of its children, families, and staff. Diversity is interpreted in the broadest sense and includes race, language, faith background, family structure, gender, sexual orientation and economic status.
Make a Payment
You can make your tuition payments online. You can use your credit card, check card, checking or savings account to make a payment anytime; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa, as well as Electronic Checks from your checking or savings account.
2004 Randolph Avenue
Basement of St. Mary Hall
St. Paul, MN 55105