Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Enroll My Child?
The first step is to call us at
314-367-7950
and request a tour of our facilities.
Our executive director will let you
know if we have any openings and,
if necessary, how to get on our
waiting list.
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How Well Trained Are The Teachers?
We only hire teachers who meet or
exceed the requirements of our licensing
agencies. All Stella Maris teachers also
complete an orientation program and a
minimum of 12 in-service training hours
on topics such as child development,
safety, and classroom management.
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Is This An Accredited Program?
We are licensed by the Missouri
Department of Health, accredited
by the Missouri Center for Voluntary
Accreditation and the Black Child
Development Institute. Our
programs developmentally appropriate as
outlined by the National Association for the
Education of Young Children.
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Will My Child Be Safe?
The safety of your child is our first priority.
That is why our facility includes:
 Secured entrances and a securitysystem to restrict strangers from
entering our center.
A strict policy for releasing children toguardians and non-guardians.
A safety plan for use in emergencies.Child abuse and criminal record screenings on all staff hires.
Age appropriate outdoor play areasthat are fenced and attended by our
staff. Staff are trained in CPR and
first aid.
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What Type Of Nutritional Plan Do You Offer?
Our daily menus are prepared using guidelines
provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In general, our food selection reflects the
cultural and ethnic tastes of the children we
serve. We also work with families who
follow vegetarian diets and have other
special dietary needs.
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Are Your Facilities "Child Friendly"?
Stella Maris is designed specifically for the
convenience and safety of children. Everything
from our water fountains to our bathrooms
are "child sized" and built in accordance with
licensing agency guidelines for comfort
and safety.
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Can I Visit My Child In Class?
Our Open Door policy encourages you to visit
your child at any time, and participate in daily
lessons and activities; our teachers are
available daily to answer questions and discuss
any concerns that you may have.
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Do You Offer Transportation?
We do not provide transportation for the infants,
toddlers, and pre-schoolers who attend Stella
Maris year-round. Transportation to and from
the West End Community Center, however,
is provided for school-aged children who
attend summer camp.
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My Child Has Special Education
Needs. What Types Of Services
Do You Provide?
We work closely with the St. Louis Public Schools
to coordinate any occupational or physical
therapy services that our children may require.
In addition, a speech therapist visits the
center twice a week to screen children who
are 2.5 years of age or older, and if necessary,
provide further evaluation and speech
therapy services at no cost to the parents.
We also offer a monthly music class to all
of our students, as well as other enrichment
opportunities presented by our volunteers
and staff.
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I Only Need Child Care Two Days
Of the Week. Is That Possible?
Stella Maris is typically fully enrolled and maintains a waiting list. Because of the high demand for full-time care, we are unable to serve families who only require part-time care.
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Is This A Culturally Diverse Program?
While the majority of our students, staff, and teachers are African-American, we are committed to representing a blended community of races and cultures. We honor a wide array of traditions and customs in our daily curriculum, our menu selection, and holiday festivities. We are committed to promoting tolerance and acceptance of all humankind.
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How Do The Teachers Disipline the Children?
At Stella Maris, we use a positive approach to behavior management. Children's disipline is based on consequences, rather than punishment. We do not use forman "time outs". Children do, however, sometimes need time away from the group when they are unable to behave appropriately. Buth they decide when they are ready to rejoin their classmates. Our teachers also redirect children as needed, or take preventative measures in anticipation of problems. Rather than emphasize the negative ("Don't run in the hall"), teachers explain to children the behavior they expect: ("Walk")
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