Philosophy and Practices
Social emotional development is the foundation for all learning.
St. Mary Preschool is a play-based program where children choose activities based on their current interests. The term “play-based” is often interchanged with “child-centered”. The play-based classroom is broken up into sections, such as a home and kitchen, science area, water/sensory table, reading nook, space with blocks and other toys, or other areas such as writing and art. Every month we will have a new theme that we use in planning the curriculum and changing the areas in the classroom. We believe that children learn to interact with each other and the world through play. Children naturally explore their environment, experience cause and effect relationships, form thought and make decisions. Teachers will create fun engaging small center activities and encourage the children to play and learn, facilitating social skills along the way. Even though it seems like they are just playing, they are learning valuable skills, including important social skills and cooperation with others, early reading and early math. As inquisitive learners, children naturally learn important academic lessons while engaging in cooperative play.
Our goal is to provide a safe and stimulating environment that fosters wonder, surprise and speculation. We encourage children to explore and interact in their environment. We provide the foundation for successful achievement in learning by developing an excitement and enthusiasm for learning through self-confidence. Socialization skills, such as listening and being listened to, interacting with other children, treating others with respect, sharing, taking turns and expressing their feelings verbally are very important and will be developed. Expressing our Catholic Faith through role modeling and daily activities will give an introduction to a faith-based environment.
Age for Admission
Children in St. Mary Preschool must be at least 3 years old and potty-trained.
Health Screening Requirements
Children in California are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary schools, as well as child care centers. We are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records, and submit reports. Go to shotsforschool.org for the complete law and immunization requirements.
Selection Criteria for St. Mary Preschool (in order of consideration):
- St. Mary preschool students
- Siblings of St. Mary School students
- Registered, active member of St. Mary Parish
- Alumni or current family relatives
- Registered, active member of another Catholic Parish
- Not registered, non-active or non-Catholic family
Tuition and Level of Attendance
Monthly Rate Per Child | 5 Days Monday – Friday | 3 Days Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 2 Days Tuesday, Thursday |
Full Day (7:00 am – 6:00 pm) | $962 | $686 | $540 |
School Day (8:00 am – 3:05 pm) | $680 | $514 | $432 |
Half Day (8:00 am – 12:30 pm) | $460 | $378 | $341 |
Drop in Rate $15 per hour | |||
Schedule Change Fee $20 per Child |
Additional Fees and Registration
Application Fee | $ 25 per child |
Registration Fee (non-refundable) | $ 175 per child |
Schedule Change Fee | $ 20 per Child |
These supporting documents are required at the time of submitting an application.
(We cannot accept partial application packages):
- A Complete Application Form
- $25 Application Fee (cash or check) (non-refundable)
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Immunization Record
All tuition is due on the 5th or 20th of the month and is deducted via FACTS Tuition Management. There will be no refunds for tuition, registration fees, or any other fees incurred. Snacks are provided with all schedules. Tuition fees are based on a full year operating budget. The tuition payment is to reserve your child’s place at the center and must be paid whether or not your child is in attendance. We do not allow make-up days or give credit for any time missed due to illness, holidays, vacations, and staff in-service days.
Offering educational advantages to children that include helping to boost cognitive and motor development as well as enhancing social skills.
St. Mary Preschool is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Preschool will be closed on all major holidays as outlined in the Preschool Handbook. In addition to these holidays, it may be necessary to be closed for staff in-service days and building maintenance, which are subject to change. The preschool director will provide advance notification of these days as they occur. Withdrawal is permitted at any time with a two-week written notice. If no written notice is provided, tuition will be charged as usual.
For questions regarding our Preschool, contact Preschool Director, Christina Lopez at [email protected]
Facility # 343621815