Information for Parents    

Newsletters and calendars: Newsletters and calendars are published monthly, and are available through email or hard copy, as desired. One highlight of our newsletter is “Conversation Starters”, which provide you with discussion points to engage your child in conversation regarding experiences they are having at the Center.

Observations: We welcome you to the Center to observe at any time. Special mirrored windows allow for observation from the hallway ** Please note when you arrive to observe that our entry door is locked at all times for the children’s safety, and is secured by video surveillance. We also ask that you sign in prior to observing.

Twice during the school year we hold parent-teacher conferences. The first conference in early January centers on your child’s adjustment and socialization. The second conference in June focuses on a written evaluation of social growth and skills. Should the need arise, a conference may be scheduled by appointment.

2012-2013 Conference Dates: January 2,3,4, and May 29, 30, 31

Special Days:

Parent Days: Three times during the year, we invite you to spend the morning interacting with your child and enjoying specially prepared activities. “Get Acquainted Days”, “Parent and Child Days”,  and “Grand Finale” are fun mornings which give you perspective into your child’s days at the Center.

2012-2013 Dates:  Get Acquainted Days: September 5 & 6, 2012                        

                            Parent Child Days: November 14 & 15, 2012

                            Grand Finale: May 22 & 23, 2013                                

Grandparent Week: In late winter, we extend an invitation to grandparents, or close, older family friends, to come with the children to the Center. For two days, the children share special intergenerational activities.

Grandparent Week Dates: April 22 through 25, 2013.

Ice Cream Social: In early fall, we host a Sunday afternoon Ice Cream Social for the whole family. Immediate and extended family members are welcome to attend and join with families from all classes for this fun event. A Chinese auction is a highlight of the afternoon. Please join us on Spetember 30th in the Mercyhurst Prep School Cafeteria.

Holiday Celebrations: We ask each family to sign up to attend one of our four holiday celebrations and provide a treat for the children to share.

Special Needs:
We offer support for families of children with special needs by working with early intervention programs such as the Gertrude Barber Center, the Achievement Center, the Erie City Public Schools’ Early Intervention Program, and the Tri-County Intermediate Unit

Become Involved at Mercy Center:

Parents are welcome to participate at the Center as classroom helpers, to share special talents and ethnic traditions with the children, and to help on one of our committees. The Center’s Board of Trustees has additional Board committees as a way for parents to be involved and get to know other families.


Further information about all of these matters can be found in the Parent Handbook, given to each family at the start of the school year.

Kindergarten Here I Come! Monthly activities to help get children ready for kindergarten Kindergarten Here I am! Monthly author study and book-related activities

        Thank you, Steve, for our beautiful murals!

Educational Improvement Tax Credit Mercy Center of the Arts is excited to announce its eligibility in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC). Through this program, tax credits are provided to eligible businesses who contribute to Mercy Center of the Arts' scholarship program.

                        Mercy Center of the Arts