History
Stella Maris Child Center is the oldest child learning center in St. Louis
Stella Maris Child Center (SMCC) was founded in 1849 as a children's orphanage operated by the Daughters' of Charity. Stella Maris, which is Latin for "Star of the Sea", has been caring for St. Louis children ever since.
In 1944, SMCC was incorporated as a child development and care center and received its first funds from the United Way. In 1953, Stella Maris became a nonsectarian, not-for-profit center. Since then, the Center has provided needed support and services to more than 160 families annually throughout the St. Louis area.
In 2006, SMCC moved to larger facilities allowing for:
- Increased, licensed capacity to care for up to 164 children
- Addition of new infant-toddler and Star Camp school-aged care programs
Stella Maris is typically fully enrolled and maintains a waiting list. The Center offers:
- Year-around educational programs for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years
- Star Camp Before and After Care programs for children 6 to 12 years of age
- Star Camp Summer program for children up to 12 years of age
SMCC is fully licensed and accreditated and is one of the first child care facilities in the state to implement the nationally acclaimed and accredited Parents as Teachers in Child Care Setting program. Stella Maris is a Early Head Start / Head Start partner and a member of the Child Day Care Association of Greater St. Louis.
Our Funding
Funding from the United Way of Greater St. Louis, State Child Care Subsidy, Early Head Start / Head Start and private sources enables Stella Maris to support families who cannot afford to pay the full cost of child care.
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