Preschool Information

Dear Families,

Thank you very much for all your support. We have always valued the partnership that we have and look forward to our continued work this coming school year. Together, we were able to rise above the challenges that this current pandemic has thrown upon us. And for that, we are truly grateful.

The stringent conditions set upon us have surely impacted us; financially, most certainly. As we look forward to the next school year, we have to make decisions to address the needs of our school, making sure that we provide our little ones the best opportunities they deserve. It is for this light that we would like to inform you of the following tuition fee schedule for the next school year:

To further supplement the needs of the school, we highly encourage all our families to participate in fundraising efforts that we hope to sponsor. We will be working closely with the Parent Teacher Organization as we bring our community together in support of our students.

We are looking forward to your continuous support and understanding. We cannot wait to have everyone back on-campus in the fall.

Thank you and God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Maria Julie Picardal

Preschool Director

Preschool Mission Statement

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School and Sister Claire’s Preschool collaborate with our families and parish communities to provide a learning environment that calls our students to realize their God-given potential and talents.

PHILOSOPHY

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School and Sister Claire’s Preschool is mindful of our educational responsibility to provide for the development of the total student. Learners come to realize their God-given potential and abilities through the collaborative work of our faculty and staff, which is strengthened by our valuable home – school connection. To this end, our school diversifies the presentation of subject content using differentiated lessons while addressing the varied learning modalities and multiple intelligences of our students. The integration of Catholic doctrine, the open practice of faith, and active participation in Christian service define the pursuit of high achievement at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School. Sister Claire’s Preschool provides a nurturing environment in which children can grow and develop at their own pace, develop a positive self-image and a sense of responsibility and independence. Each child is seen as unique with individual and particular interests, strengths and needs. Through positive guidance and unconditional acceptance, we hope to build a strong foundation for each child’s future.

Admission Policy
Our Lady of Mercy School is a Catholic parish school, co-educational, grades preschool through eighth grade. Our Lady of Mercy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of color or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies or any other school-related policies or programs.

A child must be 2.5 months to 4.5 years of age when accepted to the preschool. Before beginning preschool at Sr. Claire’s Preschool, children must be ready to separate from parents and caregivers, and interact positively with other children and adults. If a child does not show these signs of readiness, he/she will be asked to withdraw and re-enroll at a later date.

Calendar
Please click here to see the 2023-2024 academic calendar

Curriculum

Please click here to see our preschool's curriculum

Application
Please complete the Preschool Application Form and send to the address on the form or deliver to the School Office. Please include the required documentation as listed in the form, along with your payment of $70 for the Application Fee. If you have inquires, please submit them here.

Registration
There is a yearly registration fee.

Handbook

The preschool handbook can be found here for 2024-2025.

Schedule Plan / Tuition
The 2024-2025 Tuition Schedule is now available here.
All tuition fees are on a monthly basis. Tuition must be paid by the 5th of the month.

Daily Schedule
7:30-8:45 Children Arrive, Quiet Activities
8:45-9:00 Clean Up/Snack Time
9:00-10:00 Outdoor Play
10:00-10:15 Circle Time/ Music and Movement
10:15-11:30 Free Choice Activities/Centers
11:30-11:45 Clean up/Set up nap mats
11:45-12:15 Lunch
12:15-12:30 Transition to nap time
12:30-2:30 Nap time
2:30-3:30 Afternoon Circle Time/Center Activities

3:30 - 5:00 Extended Care Program

*Full Day Dismissal

Preschool Address:

7 Elmwood Drive

Daly City, CA 94015

Preschool (650) 756-4916

OLM School (650) 756-3395

Ms. Julie Picardal, Preschool Director

Mr. Jeffrey Burgos, School Principal

Staff

Maria Julie Picardal

Director of Preschool

Christina Ceballos

Preschool Teacher

Cheryll Contreras

Preschool Teacher

Jeanjer Dacanay

Preschool Teacher

Sr. Maria Dina Danos

Preschool Teacher

Juana Leticia Siordia

Preschool Teacher

2023 Preschool Graduation

Preschool History
via Posted Updates

Posted 11-14-12

There are seventeen members of the first class of Sr. Claire’s Preschool! They are busy setting routines and patterns appropriate for early learners. Together with their teachers, they are building new levels of excellence and excitement in learning at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School. Share this great news! Applications are available for 3-4-5 year olds anxious to make new friends and show off their special skills!

Posted 11-6-12

Were you there? Did you see her? Have you heard? The Blessing and Dedication of Sr. Claire’s Preschool took place on Sunday afternoon here at OLM School. Sr. Claire, herself, at 105 years old, was present, front row! Sr. Claire is a remarkable woman! It is very easy to understand now why there is such strong parish and community pride in Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School. The founding principal is a woman of strong faith and bold determination. She deeply believes in Catholic elementary education – and we are the heirs to that dynamic belief!The entire affair was blessed by fabulous sunshine. The visitors admired the transformation from the “musty” library to the fresh atmosphere of the preschool. There are so many people to appreciate: The Archdiocese of San Francisco; the City of Daly City; The Community Care Licensing Department of the State of California; Bevilacqua & Sons – General Contractors; the entire community of Our Lady of Mercy Parish; and all the families of the preschool students.Applause, loud and long, goes out to Father Bill Brown for initiating the project – and to Nino Siordia for his energetic labor.Listening to the chatter of the Preschoolers is reward enough! Their delight in their room and all their activities tells us that this was the right thing to do! Bravo!

Posted 10-17-12

A State Licensing Coordinator recently inspected our Preschool. He was very impressed with the readiness of the learning areas and the development outdoor areas. When we receive the final authorization, Sr. Claire’s Preschool will be opened for learning! The date is Monday, November 5, 2012. It has been a quite an expedition! We have become very familiar with Daly City Planning personnel, city ordinances, building codes, and state requirements!

The formal blessing will take place on Sunday, November 4, 2012. This date is very close to the birthday of the Preschool’s namesake ~ Sister Claire Maher, O.P. who will be 105 years old in early November! It is our hope that she can be present – in person or by the marvel of technology! As you know, Sr. Claire is the founding principal of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School! She initiated the educational energy that remains today! We are privileged and proud to continue her legacy of providing educational opportunities in a faith-based environment.

We are deeply grateful for all your encouragement, prayers, and patience over the past eighteen months! Thank you for assisting us in bringing the Preschool to its opening day!(

Posted 10-10-12

The construction project in Sr. Claire’s Preschool is in the final stage! Excitement is really mounting in that room as Ms. Walsh prepares the learning and activity areas! The outside play areas are under the incredible care of Nino!To share our enthusiasm, there will be a special opening!

WEDNESDAY October 17, 2012, 1:00 – 5:00pm
Sr. Claire’s Preschool at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School will hold an Open House. Please drop by to see the amazing transformation of the former Library and get a peek at what awaits our Little Learners. (View the flyer)Application Packets are available in the School Office, the Preschool, and here. A formal blessing of the Preschool will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2012.

Posted 10-3-12

Sr. Claire’s Preschool is beginning to glow with progress! Twelve families have registered their little ones. The classroom is filling up with furniture, manipulatives, books, and craft supplies. Play space is being defined for outdoor activities. The restroom is nearing the halfway mark. So far, City Inspectors are quite pleased with all the progress! Keep those prayers moving! Opening Day is not quite named, but we can say that it is close, very close!

Posted 9-19-12

As we anticipate the opening of Sr. Claire's Preschool, the list of renovations grows. Currently, plans and energy are being turned to the outside. A safe and attractive play area has to be completed. Our plans are in good hands - Nino Siordia! He has compiled a list of tasks and supplies and is ready to start. This project needs some hand-to-hand labor. If you have energy and time, please leave a message for Nino in the Office or talk to him in person. He is working in the Preschool Room that is located on the lower level of the primary building. Thank you!

Posted 9-12-12

We are busy with construction sounds and progress! The restrooms are underway! We can truly say that the final steps are being taken. The Licensing Department is on stand-by waiting to inspect and certify our facility! We have hired a new director, Ms. Kelly Walsh. She will begin her tenure on Monday, September 17th. She is so excited to be a part of a brand new preschool. Her experience is long and her insight is deep! Exact dates are close to being determined. Please stay tuned! If you are interested in enrolling a child, please contact the School Office for a “Waiting List” Application.

Posted 9-4-12

Our permit has been approved and construction on the new bathrooms has started!

Posted 7-16-12

The work to transform the former School Library (on the lower level) into Sr. Claire’s Preschool is moving along nicely! The new paint, new “cubbies”, new windows, and little furniture set a brand new tone for this space. We are eagerly awaiting clearance and approval from the Archdiocesan Real Property Office, the City of Daly City Planning Department, and the State of California Child Care Center Licensing Department! Our projected goal is an early fall opening!