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The Emerald Press

The Emerald Press

St. Patrick School Introduces Early Childhood Center

Meet the newest members of the St. Patrick’s family!

On November 17, 2023 we were given the opportunity to interview the staff at the new Early Childhood Center (ECC). The idea for the Early Childhood Center was sparked by a need for childcare in the community after the Coronavirus in 2020. Parents were working, and worried about their younger children being cared for. So Mr. Arnold came up with a plan.

Allowing 20 kids per day, an average of 15 kids show up. The Early Childhood Center accepts children from six weeks old to three years old. Open hours are between 7-30 – 5:30 pm Monday-Friday. 

ECC staff member setting up play time

The Early Childhood Center strives to provide an environment where kids are loved, can have fun, and grow. There are many activities that the ECC staff use to entertain the children including free play, crafts, center times, songs, and learning about bible stories. 

The Early Childhood Center has snack time around 9:00am and 3:00pm, and lunch time around 11:30 am. Naptime for the toddler room is 12:30 – 2:30pm, but for the baby room it can change because they have babies from ages six weeks to 18 months. Closing hours are between 3:30pm – 5:30pm.

Parents will bring everything needed for their children, from snacks to diapers. Tuition is priced at $200 per week, except on holidays or other weeks that the ECC isn’t open.

They have a couple of high schoolers who help with closing alongside Ms. Judy, but other than that you should be at least 18 to start working there.

“We believe in coming alongside the child and parents and helping any way we can,” Mrs. Cohen says.

“This is the best job you could ever have,” says one of the staff members. And from what we’ve seen, that seems to be true.

 

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About the Contributors
Myresa M.
Myresa M., Staff Writer
My name is Myresa, I love birds and photography. I’ve lived here in Rolla for 7 years, 1 month, and 20 days when it was 9/06/23 (yes, I’m counting). I also love the ocean which is why every time I visit my friends in Indiana we go to Lake Michigan, they love it too so I’m not forcing them :). Yes I know, Lake Michigan isn’t an ocean, but it looks so much like one! Anyways back to me, I want to be an ornithologist and a photographer for documentaries in the future. Writing is one of my favorite things to do when I’m at school and don’t get to do what I love :D.
Erika M.
Erika M., Staff Writer
Sloane C.
Sloane C., Staff Writer
Hi, my name is Sloane. I am 13 years old, almost 14, and I have been going to St. Patrick Catholic School for 5 years. I moved to Rolla from California in 3rd grade. I was born in Texas but don’t remember it because when I was a baby, I moved to California and lived there for 7 years.   I have a dog named George and my favorite color is red. My favorite food is watermelon and I love the beach. My dream is to travel the world when I am older. My hobbies are dance, soccer, and acting.    I am a competitive dancer, and am starting to act in plays this year! I just play soccer for fun, not competitively, but I love it. One of my favorite things to do is sing at the top of my lungs and dance around the house when nobody is home.

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