The Early Childhood Center at St. Catherine University has a Four Star Parent Aware rating, the highest possible rating.
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 meets a vital need for quality care and education of the young children of St. Catherine University students, faculty, staff and surrounding community. Many second-generation children find their way back to the Center.
We offer full and part-time educational services for children ages 33 months to six years.
Programs
We provide two authentic educational models: a Montessori Children's House and an Early Learning Program.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECC has made some temporary changes including small stable classroom groups that will require a Monday–Friday commitment. Each family will receive 6.75 hours of school time during our hours of operation to accommodate staggered drop-off and pick-up times. You will sign up for or be assigned to a time slot with a fixed drop-off and pick-up time. Please call for more information or questions related to our program operation during the pandemic. Thank you.
The St. Catherine University Montessori Children's House is based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and uses her method and materials with the idea 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.
*We take children 33 months old in the fall (September–December).
The Staff
Both our Montessori teacher and our Montessori Assistant teacher have university degrees, as well as years of teaching experience. They are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified.
St Catherine students assist during transition times in the early mornings, lunch time, and late afternoons.
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 school accepts children with special needs when we can meet their needs in the opinion of staff, parents and appropriate professionals.
Parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to call the Center. A visit can be scheduled by calling or emailing the Center and setting up an appointment with the Director.
Current Enrollment
We encourage families to call us anytime because family situations change. Often we have been able to accommodate families on a last minute basis.
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.
*We take children 33 months old in the fall (September–December).
The Staff
All of our teachers have university degrees and our lead teachers have specific education in early childhood areas as well as years of experience teaching this age group.
All of the teaching staff are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified.
St. Catherine University students assist us 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.
Parents or guardians 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.
Current Enrollment
We encourage families to call us anytime because family situations change. Often we have been able to accommodate families on a last minute basis.
Please call 651-690-6608 or email ecc@stkate.edu for information about our summer program.
September 2020– May 2021 Fees
| Option | Time | Weekly Cost | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montessori Children's House | 6.75 hours/day | $260 | 7:40 a.m. – 3:05 p.m. |
| Early Learning Program | 6.75 hours/day | $260 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:55 p.m. |