Affordable quality child care is one of the services most frequently requested by the clients of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. The Child Care Services Division provides infant, preschool and school age care to children ages six weeks to twelve years. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of single parents and working families. The primary services within the division are Early Learning Centers and School Age Care. We serve Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, and Middlesex Counties.
Early Learning Centers
Early Learning Centers provide care to children between the ages of six weeks and five years using the nationally known Creative Curriculum. These programs exist throughout the four counties of the Diocese and provide early education to children preparing to enter kindergarten. Abbott Preschool Programs are operated under contract with area school districts.
New Moms, New Expectations
Many single young people who become parents are unprepared for the sacrifices this new role will demand. They suddenly find themselves responsible for another human being before they have completed their education or acquired the skills necessary to function successfully in the world. The New Moms, New Expectations program, located in Bridgewater, provides free child care to single parents under the age of 26 who want to complete their education. Children ages six weeks through two and one half years attend the child care center while their parents attend school. Parents receive training, including classes on baby care, financial management, homemaking, parenting skills and child development. Parents are also linked to other organizations for career development, crisis intervention, educational guidance and stress management.
Partners School Age Care
The Partners School Age Care Programs, located in Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset and Middlesex Counties, provide before and after school care for children ages five through twelve. Primarily located in local elementary schools, thereby eliminating transportation issues and greatly reducing parental stress, programs include enrichment activities and homework assistance. As part of School Age Care, the Division offers programs which supplement the school day as well as summer camps. Programs are offered on a sliding fee scale to allow families at various economic levels to participate.
