The Mercy Child Development Center provides a model program in educational childcare in an environment that will foster spiritual, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. We pride ourselves in providing a safe, nurturing, environment for the most discriminating families of St. Edward Mercy.

Features

Facility
The Child Development Center was renovated in 2002, to better accommodate children 3 weeks through 4 years of age. Through the financial support of the St. Edward Mercy Auxiliary we are able to provide educational materials, an Infant/Toddler playground, a pre-school playground, a shuttle bus and a scholarship program to those enrolled in the Center. Security is a priority at our Center. All exterior doors remain locked throughout the day. A security camera monitors the main entrance 24 hours a day. Only families enrolled in the Center hold a badge that enables them to de-activate the door-locking system.

Staff
Our preschool teachers have degrees in Education with emphasis on Early Childhood. All of our staff are trained in CPR and First Aid, have successfully completed a DHS background check, and have many years of early care and education experience. Each staff member maintains 10 hours of early childhood training annually.

Program
Mercy Child Development Center is a member of Child Care in Health Care. We are licensed by the Dept. of Human Services to serve 105 children. Our child-care and preschool rooms offer a variety of learning opportunities that promote conceptual thinking, language skills and many other life long developmental skills. We offer before and after school care as well as Spring Break and summer programs for children in grades K-6.

Curriculum
The Infant/Toddler curriculum combines interactive experiences with exploration of their environment. Activities are planned by the staff that incorporate developmentally appropriate practices.

The Preschool classes use the Saxon Early Learning Curriculum and the DLM Early Childhood Express. Each month a different concept is used as a focus for developmental learning activities and experiences. Activities are introduced that provide hands-on, concrete experiences to build a foundation of learning that will increase the probability of your child’s success in school.

Enrollment
Enrollment is offered primarily to SEMMC co-workers. Once their needs have been met, opportunities are made available to those on the SEMMC campus. Full-time, Part-time and Flex enrollment options are available.

Valuable Components

Infant/Toddler

• Low staff/child ratio
• Continuity of care
• Nursing mothers’ room
• Developmentally appropriate practices

Preschool

• Learning centers
• Computers
• Field trips
• Parent/Teacher conferences

Additional Program Features

• Morning/afternoon snack in addition to three balanced meals a day
• Water play area for summer fun
• Opportunities for parent education and participation
  

To obtain more information about the Mercy Child Development Center, or to enroll your child, please contact us at 479-314-3140 or email kgoins@ftsm.mercy.net