Vacation Club-Summer Camp
About
Vacation club is a summer camp for school age children offering fun filled age appropriate activities. The primary goal of Vacation Club is to provide a secure environment (to supplement and complement home care) for school-aged children, five years of age and older, who are in need of supervised care, while offering enjoyable and positive social experiences that support and develop recreational interests.
At St. Francis Preschool & Childcare, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Through play-based learning, individualized attention, and a focus on whole-child development, we empower each child to build a strong foundation for academic success, personal confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Preschool Program
Our Preschool Program focuses on providing children with a strong foundation for learning and school readiness. Through a combination of play, structured activities, and personalized attention, we nurture each child's social, emotional, and academic development.
Program Features:
Age-appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, math, and creative expression
Social and emotional skill-building
Fun, interactive learning experiences to encourage curiosity
Caring, certified staff committed to your child’s success
Eligibility: Children ages 2½ to 5 years old.
Childcare Program
Our Childcare Program provides working families with dependable care in a safe, engaging environment where children can play, learn, and grow under qualified supervision.
Program Highlights:
Full-day childcare with enriching activities
Daily routines that promote learning, play, and physical activity
Nutritious snacks and meals provided
Opportunities for creative expression, reading, and group play
Eligibility: Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.
Give Your Child the Best Start
At St. Francis Community Center, we are dedicated to providing a loving, educational environment where children can build a strong foundation for a bright future. Schedule a tour or contact us today to learn how our programs can support your child’s growth and development.
Why Choose Us?
Safe & Supportive Environment: Our center is fully licensed and meets all state childcare regulations to ensure your child’s safety and well-being.
Qualified Staff: Our teachers and caregivers are certified professionals trained to foster healthy child development.
Affordable Options: We provide high-quality childcare and preschool services at competitive rates to ensure accessibility for all families.
Focus on Learning: Our programs are designed to prepare your child for future academic success while building confidence and independence.
Our Program
Grow NJ Kids
St. Francis Preschool is proud to be a 4-star Grow NJ Kids program, a state-sponsored initiative focused on improving the quality of child care and early learning in New Jersey. Grow NJ Kids provides resources for programs to enhance their quality and helps parents make informed decisions for their child’s education.
For more information, visit www.grownjkids.com.
Let’s Move Initiative
St. Francis Preschool earned a Certificate of Achievement from the National Early Care Education Learning Collaborative Project (Let’s Move). Launched by former First Lady Michelle Obama, Let’s Move! promotes healthier lifestyles for children by encouraging healthy eating, access to nutritious foods, and regular physical activity to combat childhood obesity and foster lifelong well-being.
Classroom Arrangement
The High/Scope learning environment at St. Francis Preschool is carefully organized to promote active learning. The classroom is divided into well-defined interest areas that encourage exploration and play, including: Block Area, House Area, Small Toy Area, Book Area, Sand-and-Water Area, Art Area
Each space is designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Preschool & Childcare at St. Francis Community Center
Preschool & Childcare at St. Francis Community Center
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ’s
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We accept children from 6 weeks to 5 years old in our childcare and preschool programs.
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We are open Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Our preschool program includes:
Early literacy and math activities
Creative and artistic experiences
Social and emotional skill-building
Structured play and hands-on learning
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Yes, we provide nutritious meals and snacks for children throughout the day.
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To enroll your child, please call 609-494-8861 or email us at info@stfranciscenterlbi.org to schedule a tour or receive more information.
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Yes, our center is fully licensed and adheres to all state childcare regulations, ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
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A: Children engage in daily physical activities, including outdoor play, group games, and exercises that promote gross and fine motor skills.
Enrollment Information
How to Enroll:
For enrollment inquiries or to schedule a tour, please contact us:
Phone: Call 609-494-8861
Email: Contact Us
Our team will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you may have about our programs.
Accreditation
You have chosen an early childhood program for your child that is accredited by the NATIONAL ACADEMY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS. The academy administers a national voluntary, professionally sponsored system for all types of schools and child care centers. The academy is a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators. Only 8% of programs achieve accreditation.
The early childhood programs accredited by the academy have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the academy’s criteria for high quality early childhood programs and have been found to be in substantial compliance with the criteria. A copy of the criteria can be obtained from the academy http://families.naeyc.org/.
Contact Us
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location:
St. Francis Community Center
4700 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach Township, NJ 08008
POC
Katie Opauski
(MSW, LSW, MAT, MB-ABA)
Children's Services
609-494-8861 Ext.114
Karen Acker
Front Desk Supervisor/Facility Coordinator
609-494-8861 Ext.102
