Our Programs
The programs and classroom environments at Mercy Cares For Kids are designed to be developmentally responsive. This means that our programs and materials are adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the children in each group. Our programs provide for a variety of active play and sensory experiences in which learning through discovery is emphasized. At every age level and in every classroom, literacy development is evident. Language development and exposure to print are primary focuses of our daily activities and routines.
The programs at Mercy Cares For Kids offer valuable opportunities for a child's social growth. By encouraging self-reliance and interpersonal skills, children enrolled in our program can better understand their emotions and behavior. Children are guided through these experiences by specially trained teachers and staff who genuinely enjoy, respect and understand young children.
Special Programs
Mercy Cares For Kids has added several enrichment activities to our program.
SWIM LESSONS: Our Pre-K classrooms participate in swim lessons each year spring and summer at the East Greenbush YMCA. Children are transported by school bus to the pool and swim instructors work with each child.
"SUMMER PROGRAM": During the last week of June our Pre-K program becomes our "Summer Program." The children in our Pre-K rooms participate in a variety of field trips and learning experiences outside of the classroom. Teachers use these trips as a tool to enrich learning in the classroom as children learn more about their community.
GARDEN CLUB: Each classroom selects vegetables to plant in a garden box in our outdoor classroom. We encourage a hands on approach to learning about nutrition through growing, tending, harvesting and eating vegetable crops.
ART ON A CART: Mercy Cares For Kids encourages children's creativity and expression. Our art teacher, Miss Missy, spends time with small groups of children in our Toddler, Threes and Pre-K program exploring different art materials. Books, conversation, sensory exploration and inpidual art work become the focus for learning. The children learn how to manipulate different materials as they work together at the art table.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Our Pre-K children have developed relationships with some of our neighboring programs which have created wonderful friendships while developing understanding and empathy. Our children spend time playing with children from the Clover Patch Developmental Preschool program, as well as visiting with residents of the St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Veteran's Day and resident program. These programs have helped children learn acceptance of others and understanding that everyone has value.