Early Childhood Education & Care

QUICK OVERVIEW

Program Area:
Early Childhood Education & Care
(Prenatal to Age 5)

Supporting children and families from pregnancy through the earliest years of learning. This program area brings together education, developmental expertise, and family-centered care to build strong foundations for lifelong success.

Program:
Doula Services & Home Visiting

A prenatal and postpartum support program for young mothers

Providing compassionate guidance before, during, and after childbirth. This program supports young mothers with education, home-based care, and trusted doula services that promote healthy births, confident parenting, and family stability.

Program:
Diverse Learners Support

Individualized developmental and learning support for children birth to five

Delivering coordinated, hands-on support for children who benefit from additional learning or developmental assistance. Families, educators, and specialists work together in one connected setting to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Program:
Educational Instructional Support

Coaching and quality support for early childhood educators

Strengthening early learning environments through instructional coaching, reflection, and data-informed practice. This program supports educators serving children from birth to age five, ensuring high-quality teaching across all classrooms.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Program Area:
Early Childhood Education & Care (Ages Prenatal to 5)

The earliest years shape everything that follows.

Marillac Saint Vincent’s Early Childhood Education & Care programs support children and families from pregnancy through age five, laying strong foundations for learning, health, and long-term stability.

Our approach blends high-quality teaching, developmental expertise, and family-centered care. We meet children where they are and support families through each stage of early growth, from the prenatal period through kindergarten readiness.

What We Offer

• Birth to Age 3
  Individualized, developmentally focused care that supports early milestones, social-emotional growth, and strong caregiver relationships.
• Pre-K Ages 3 to 5
  A discovery-driven learning environment that builds early literacy, problem-solving, and confidence, preparing children for a successful transition to kindergarten.

Across all settings, our educators use proven teaching strategies, ongoing assessment, and reflective practice to ensure high-quality learning experiences for every child.

Program:
Doula Services & Home Visiting

Supporting Young Mothers. Strengthening Families.

You are not alone…

Marillac Saint Vincent’s Doula Services & Home Visiting program supports pregnant and parenting young women, ages 14 to 25 and beyond, on Chicago’s West Side. The program is designed to promote healthy births, confident parenting, and long-term family stability.

Our doulas and home visitors walk alongside mothers before, during, and after childbirth, offering guidance, education, and trusted support during one of life’s most important transitions.

How We Support Families

• Prenatal and Parenting Groups
  Weekly group sessions that provide education, peer connection, and tools for building strong parent-child bonds.
• Home Visiting
  Regular visits before and after birth that offer personalized guidance, developmental support, and practical care in the home.
• Doula Birthing Support
  One-on-one support from certified doulas during labor and delivery, helping mothers feel informed, prepared, and empowered.
• Connections to Essential Resources
  Referrals to healthcare, housing, education, job training, and community programs tailored to each family’s needs.
• Developmental and Social-Emotional Support
  Screenings and guidance to promote healthy early development for infants and young children.

Program Impact

• Every participant receiving doula support developed a birth plan prior to delivery.
• The majority of mothers experienced doula-attended births, ensuring continuity of care and trusted guidance.

Who Can Participate

• Young women ages 14 to 25 and older
• Residents of Chicago’s West Side
• Priority is given to first-time pregnancies

Group Schedule

• Prenatal Group: Tuesdays, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• Parenting Group: Wednesdays, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Get Involved

Community members can support young families through in-kind donations such as diapers, baby clothing, strollers, educational toys, formula, car seats, books, and breast pumps.

For more information, contact Laronda Castine at 773-584-4545. 

Program:
Diverse Learners Support

Individualized Support in One Connected Setting

Every child learns differently. Marillac Saint Vincent is built to support that truth.

Our Diverse Learners program provides coordinated, hands-on support for children from birth to age five who benefit from additional learning or developmental assistance. What sets MSV apart is our team-based approach. Children, educators, specialists, and families work together in one place, creating consistency and trust.

How the Program Works

• Paraprofessionals
  Work directly with children ages 3 to 5, providing individualized, in-class support aligned with each child’s learning goals.
• Diverse Learning Specialists
  Support children from birth to age five while also working closely with teachers and parents. Services include developmental guidance, classroom strategies, and family education.
• Family Partnership and Advocacy
  Specialists assist families with understanding and completing Individualized Education Programs for ages 3 to 5 and Individualized Family Service Plans for birth to age 3, along with workshops and one-on-one guidance.

The goal is simple and strategic. Children receive the support they need. Families feel informed and confident. Teachers are equipped to adapt instruction effectively.

Educational Instructional Support

Coaching Strong Teaching from Birth to Age Five

Great learning environments start with strong educators.

Marillac Saint Vincent’s Educational Instructional Support program provides coaching for teachers serving children from birth to age five. Instructional coaches work alongside educators to strengthen teaching practices, align curriculum, and continuously improve learning outcomes.

What Coaching Includes

• Ongoing reflection and instructional planning
• Classroom observation and feedback
• Data-informed decision making using established assessment tools
• Support aligned with age-appropriate quality standards for infants, toddlers, and preschool classrooms

Coaches partner with teachers to refine instruction over time, ensuring classrooms remain responsive, engaging, and developmentally sound.