MONONA — “They’re going to get a whole lot of Jesus, and that’s a good thing,” said Callie Meiller, principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School in Monona.
She spoke on the new all-year round, full-time early childhood program starting at the school this fall.
It will be open to children ages three to five.
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| Ethanael, a student at St. Bernard Parish’s Catholic Preschool and Child Care Center in Madison, spends a moment in a classroom prayer corner during free time. The parish is starting a “Summer Camp” program for school-aged children this year. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
MADISON — For more than 30 years, St. Bernard Parish has been serving the east side of Madison, and surrounding community, through its preschool program.
In the past year, that dedication has grown to more opportunities to serve local youth.
Last fall, the parish expanded its preschool to a full child care program.
Starting this summer, school-age children can take advantage of a summer camp-style program.
With area schools adding programs for children under five, “we had to think of different ways to build our enrollment,” said Geri Nehls, interim director of child care at the parish.
Through both lowering the age of children accepted to 2.5 years old, and responding to Pastor Fr. Michael Radowicz’s ,call for an all-day daycare program, the expanded opportunities were initiated.
“We looked into the Church’s teaching about equity and fairness and equality and how we outreach to the community,” said Nehls.
