305.545.6049
Because at Centro Mater, every child MATERs.
HOW WE HELP
Centro Mater Child Care Services is a nonprofit organization that was founded on the belief that love for children brings hope for the future. With five accredited centers in Miami-Dade County, Centro Mater caters to 1,500 children 6 weeks to 12 years of age in its efforts to help youth prosper and their parents and/or guardians become financially independent.
OUR STORY
OUR PROGRAMS
CARE FOR INFANTS & TODDLERS
The Centro Mater staff works with the youngest of children during the most crucial developmental years of their life, just as they begin to understand the world. At this stage, the Creative Curriculum is used, which provides a comprehensive framework that emphasizes relationships between the children, their caregivers, teachers and their families.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Starting at 3 years old, the High Scope Educational Curriculum is introduced, which includes content areas for children, and a training model to help adults use the programs of study to support children's development.
The Centers provide state of the art preschool education to 530 children in Miami-Dade County.
OUT OF SCHOOL CARE
This aspect of the program provides high-quality after-school and full-day summer camp activities for primarily at-risk, low-income children (5% of which are children with disabilities). The LitArt, Peace Foundation and SPARK Curriculums promote academic achievement, healthy lifestyles and social skills.
HOME-BASED PROGRAM
The Home based program option uses home visiting as a method of service delivery. This alternative offers support, guidance, information, and child development services directly to families in their homes, using the Creative Curriculum and Learning Games. The home visitor has a special sensitivity to and empathy for the plight of new mothers and children.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES
Due to the childhood obesity epidemic amongst the Hispanic population, Centro Mater has several nutrition education programs including “The Children’s Gardening Program” and healthy cooking experiences. The Centro Mater Social Services Department coordinates physical examinations and dental services services too.
TRAININGS AND OTHER SERVICES FOR FAMILIES
Job preparation and life skills, domestic violence awareness, child abuse and neglect, effective parenting, child development, child emotional health, food safety, health and safety prevention at home, promoting literacy at home and transition to Kindergarten.
COMMUNITY WE SERVE
96% of families served fall below the federal poverty line.
95% of families are Hispanic or foreign-born.
75% of students come from single parent homes.
34% of parents did not finish elementary school.
HOW TO HELP
As a non-profit organization, Centro Mater relies on a combination of public and private contributions. It receives funding by the Miami-Dade County Head Start/Early Head Start, The Children’s Trust, City of Miami, Miami-Dade County Community Based Organization, Child Care Food Program, Miami Dade Early Learning Coalition and United Way of Miami Dade. Our very dedicated Board of Directors raises funds to expand services and support the capital expenses of the program, which are not covered by any other funding source.
GENERAL DONATION
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