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Preschool


Open Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year: 2.9 Year Old Preschool -  4 Year Old Preschool

 
Mater Dolorosa Catholic School is happy to announce that we are once again offering a Preschool program for two year-nine month olds - four for the 2024-2025 school year.   New this year, our application process is fully online through FACTS.  Please visit our Tuition and Registration tab for more information/instructions.  Children must attend a minimum of two days per week.  All students must be 'confidently potty trained'.  We understand that 'accidents' do happen at this developmental age.   However, please understand, that when you ensure your Preschool 3 teacher that your child is  'confidently potty trained', this means that:
  • Your child does not wear/rely on 'pull-ups/training pants/diapers'.
  • Your child recognizes what a bathroom toileting facility looks like; we are a school, therefore, your child will utilize an actual bathroom.
  • Your child can recognize their bathroom needs independently.
  • Your child can enjoy their VERY busy day (with many restroom breaks in-between) without multiple daily accidents.
Please be assured that every effort is made to help your child develop/feel comfortable in their new environment, including bathroom skills. However, multiple daily bathroom 'accidents' for an extended period of time (at the discretion of the teacher and administration) will warrant a meeting between all to discuss next steps for your child's continuation in our Preschool Program.  Removal from the program may be a decision, however, please know this is a last resort and your child will always be welcomed to return.  For further information, please call the school office at (413) 532-2831.
 
The goal of Mater Dolorosa Preschool is to provide our preschool children with positive opportunities for growth by:
 
  • Recognizing the special nature of the preschool experience
  • Helping each child recognize their self worth as an individual and their ability to contribute as part of a group
  • Creating an atmosphere conducive to learning, fun and social development
  • Integrating the pre-school program into the spiritual life of the Mater Dolorosa Catholic School and Parish communities
  • Offering opportunities to develop social and learning skills which will ensure a successful transition to full day kindergarten
  • Interior Courtyard Preschool Only Play Area
 
Curriculum
 
  • Religion: prayer time, seasonal activities;"Stories of God's Love" curriculum by RCL Benziger
  • Number/Letter/Shape Recognition
  • Music
  • Developing health work/play habits
  • Art Activities
  • Health and Safety
 
Administration and Staff
 

The preschool is under the administration of the Pastor of Our Lady of the Cross Parish and Principal of Mater Dolorosa Catholic School. The program is staffed by a full time teacher certified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Additional staffing is in compliance with state and diocesan regulations.

Tuition
2 days a week: $2,900
3 days a week: $4,250
4 days a week: $5,360
5 days a week: $6,685
 

Please visit our Registration and Tuition Page for our 2024-2025 Preschool Tuition Rates and Fees.

Enrollment

Research shows that children who attend preschool are more likely to succeed in kindergarten and that participating in early childhood education provides academic and social benefits that last well beyond the early years. Mater Dolorosa values early childhood education and advocates for high quality programs. When a child enters preschool in a Catholic school, they become part of an established setting for learning. Our preschool classrooms are not just add-ons or separate programs. They are an integral part of the elementary school community and considered an important part of the learning continuum. Our school provides a safe and secure early childhood education in a loving, faith-based environment.

Schedule

The five day a week program follows the Mater Dolorosa Catholic School schedule, and is NOT designed as a 'drop-in home daycare situation'.  Preschool students should arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. and may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m.. with dismissal at 2:20 p.m. Parents have the option to enroll their child for a 2, 3, 4 or 5 day week. Our school follows guidelines set forth by the Holyoke Public School System.

Lunch and Snacks

Children enrolled in the Preschool Program are welcome to participate in the school's hot lunch program. Mater Dolorosa Catholic School received a grant for all children in the school to receive hot lunch at no cost. Chocolate or white milk is also available at $.50 for children who choose to bring cold lunch. Mater Dolorosa Preschool will provide breakfast at no cost from the HPS Food Service Dept. to the children each morning. Milk and juice will be provided.

PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO INFORM THE TEACHER OF ANY ALLERGIES THEIR CHILD MAY HAVE.