Frequently Asked Questions

When the decision concerns your child, you have a right to ask a lot of questions. SMCC wants to answer every one; however, some of your questions can only be answered when you stop in for a visit. To schedule a tour call us at 314-367-7950.

How do I enroll my child?

The first step is to contact our Assistant Program Coordinator Karla White by calling 314-367-7950.

Find out if SMCC has openings for your selected dates.
Request, if necessary, to be placed on a waiting list.
Schedule a tour of the SMCC facilities

How is Stella Maris Child Center different than other St. Louis area child care and development centers?

SMCC knows that all parents hope to find the "best" school for their child, but what does that really mean? Parents are educated consumers and are searching for more meaningful measures than simply reputation or test scores. Most parents aspire to find a school that nurtures and encourages each child, strengthening and challenging their child's academic abilities while fostering independence and self-esteem. SMCC is such a school, where children are well-prepared for the journey of life-long learning.

Specifically, Stella Maris Child Center:

Focuses on education and developmental milestone achievement. SMCC is an educator and not a baby sitter; attention is on educating the whole child.
Delivers effective teacher to child ratios designed to optimize the learning environment. Baby through toddler age programs have a child to caregiver ratio of 4:1. Beginning at age three, the maximum student to teacher ratio is 10:1.
Is the only state of Missouri center designated as a Certified Emilia Reggio Partner®; providing a uniquely progressive and internationally recognized model for early childhood education in urban settings.
Established 11 year partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start.
In 2007 was awarded the City of St. Louis Mayor's Spirit Award of Excellence.
Children have a strong record of placement in private and magnate schools. In 2009, all SMCC pre-school graduates were accepted into either Magnet or Charter schools, many with scholarships.
Delivers a high rate of student success; more than 10,000 SMCC children have gone on to successfully graduate from elementary schools.
Is a funder/grantor "friendly" agency with excellent operational and organizational structures that make it easy for funding entities to quickly and seamlessly coordinate efforts. Funding organizations seek partnership with SMCC because of the Center's record of achievement and deep expertise.

Are SMCC teachers well trained?

Yes. SMCC staff has an average tenure of 8 years; providing continuity, consistency and experience. The Center only hires staff educators who meet or exceed the requirements of our licensing agencies. All Stella Maris Child Center teachers are required to complete an orientation program, and a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training on topics such child development, safety and class room management.

Is Stella Maris Child Center an accredited school?

Yes. SMCC is licensed by the Missouri Department of Health, and is accredited by the Missouri Center for Voluntary Accreditation, as well as, the Black Child Development Institute. Stella Maris Child Center only offers programs that are developmentally appropriate as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. And, unique to the St. Louis area, SMCC is the only agency certified as a Reggio Emilia Partner® - an international model for early child development in urban settings.

Will my child be safe?

At SMCC the safety of your child is our first priority. To ensure their safety, our facilities include:

Secured entrances and a security system to restrict strangers from entering the Center.
A strict policy for releasing children to guardians and/or non-guardians.
A safety plan for use in emergencies.
Stringent screenings of ALL staff for criminal records and child abuse.
Age appropriate outdoor play areas, fenced and attended to by our trained staff. All SMCC staff members are trained in CPR and first aid.

What type of nutritional plan does SMCC offer?

Daily menus are prepared in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In general, SMCC food selection reflects the cultural and ethnic tastes of the children. Stella Maris Child Center also coordinates with families who may wish to follow vegetarian diets and/or have other special dietary needs.

Are SMCC facilities "child friendly?"

Yes. Stella Maris Child Center is specifically designed for the convenience and the safety of children. Everything from the water fountains to the bathrooms, are "child sized" and built in accordance with licensing agency guidelines for comfort and safety.

Can I visit my child in class?

Yes. SMCC open door policy encourages parents to visit their children at any time, and to participate in daily lessons and activities. SMCC teachers are available daily to answer questions and discuss concerns parents may have.

Does Stella Maris Child Center offer transportation?

SMCC does NOT provide transportation at this time.

My child has special education needs. What types of services are provided by Stella Maris Child Center?

SMCC works closely with the St. Louis Public Schools to coordinate required occupational or physical therapy services. Additionally, a speech therapist visits the center twice a week to screen children who are 2.5 years of age or older and if necessary, provides further evaluation and speech therapy services - at no additional cost to parents.

What types of arts enrichment opportunities does SMCC provide?

A monthly music class for all enrolled children.

Is part time care available?

No. SMCC is typically fully enrolled and maintains a waiting list. Due to high demand for full time care, the Center is unable to serve families with part-time care needs.

Does Stella Maris Child Center provide culturally diverse programs?

Yes. Students, staff and teachers are primarily African-Americans - 90% of the children are African American, 5% are bi-racial and 5% are Caucasian. SMCC is deeply committed to representing a blended community of races, religions and cultures. As such, we honor a wide spectrum of traditions and customs in our daily curriculum, menu offerings and holiday festivities. The Stella Maris Child Center works to promote tolerance and acceptance of all humankind.

How much does it cost to send a child to Stella Maris Child Center?

SMCC is a United Way of Greater St. Louis recipient. Approximately 30% of SMCC families pay no tuition costs and another 50% pay a co-payment of $5 to $40 per week. Tuition costs are determined during the application process and are based on individual family financial needs and considerations.

How are children disciplined?

SMCC implements a positive approach to behavior management. Discipline is based on "consequences" rather than "punishment". Formal "time-outs" are NOT used; however, when a child doesn't behave properly they may require time away from their group. The child decides when they're ready to rejoin the group.

As needed, SMCC teachers will redirect children, or they may take preventive measures in anticipation of problems. The "positive" versus the "negative" is always emphasized; as an example, teachers will not tell a child "don't run in the hall" but will instead explain the expected behavior, "walk, please."

What is the Stella Maris Child Center philosophy?

In short, Stella Maris strives to prepare children for the journey of life-long learning. The SMCC philosophy balances freedom with responsibility, setting high standards of intellectual, social and moral development, and is firmly rooted in the developmental stages of children. Children inherently enjoy learning, which Stella Maris embraces through the prepared environment of materials, trained teachers who guide children to learn at their own individual pace, and an interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizing learning through the five senses.