Preschool
Preschool
2.9 – 4 Years Old
We are confident that you and your child will find our teachers and paraprofessionals to be warm and nurturing, with the main goal of helping your child blossom into their own version of themselves as a child of God. We thank you for entrusting us with this awesome task.
What does the Mater Dolorosa Catholic School Preschool Program look like?
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
- Instilling an understanding that they are children of God who are loved, no matter what
- 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.