Infantário da Fundação Santa Luísa de Marillac

Infantário da Fundação Santa Luísa de Marillac

Established: December 13, 1995
Location: Quinta Betânia, Estrada dos Marmeleiros, 242, freguesia do Monte, Madeira, Portugal
Type: Preschool/Daycare (Jardim de Infância)
Affiliation: Catholic Church

Overview

Infantário da Fundação Santa Luísa de Marillac is a nurturing preschool and daycare that focuses on the integral development of children. With a maximum capacity of 100 children, the facility provides a safe and loving environment for both creche (daycare) and pré-escolar (preschool) programs. The school aims to support children from families with low economic resources, precarious jobs, and disorganized family structures.

Programs Offered

• Creche (Daycare): Capacity for 29 children
• Pré-escolar (Preschool): Capacity for 24 children

Facilities

• Kitchen: Meals are prepared on-site
• Playground: Plans for a dedicated play area
• Ludoteca (Playroom): A space for creative play
• Multi-purpose Hall: Constructed in November 2015 for various activities
• Covered Outdoor Space: Added in 2016 for protection during activities

Staff

The school is staffed by a qualified team, including educators, a nurse, sisters, support staff, and social volunteers. One of the sisters serves as the Educational Director.

Philosophy

The institution emphasizes care with love and affection, following the principles of its founders, Vicente and Luísa de Marillac. The mission is to provide adequate conditions for the integral and harmonious development of children, focusing on values and democratic citizenship.

Annual Activity Plan

The school organizes various cultural activities throughout the year. Here are some highlights from the 2023-2024 activity plan for July 2024:

1. July 3 - Descida no carrinho de cesto/ carreiros do Monte
2. July 9 - Visit to the Museu da Quinta das Cruz
3. July 10 - Study visit to the Museu Francisco Franco
4. July 11 - Partnership with CMF for inflatables and face painting
5. July 12 - Visit to the Museu da Ilha das Aves (Campanário)
6. July 15 - Study visit to the Museu da Banana (Ponta do Sol)
7. July 16 - Visit to Monte Palace (Monte)
8. July 17 - Boat trip
9. July 18 - Study visit to the Firefighters' station (Funchal)
10. July 19 - Visit to Praia da Calheta and Parque da Ribeira Brava
11. July 22 - Ludoteca at Santa Catarina Park + picnic

Community Events

The school hosts various events that engage children and the community, such as:

• Dia de Reis (Day of Kings) on January 6, 2025: A joyful celebration where children announce the event to friends and neighbors in exchange for sweets.
• Santo Amaro Celebration on January 15, 2025: Children create brooms and sing a traditional song while helping at home.
• Storytelling Events: For example, on November 7, 2024, staff dramatized the story of 'Carochinha' for the children, creating a playful atmosphere filled with laughter.

Current Project

Ampliar e Renovar Espaços (Expand and Renovate Spaces):

• Goals:
  1. Create a room for babies aged 5 months to 1.5 years by closing a balcony for safe play.
  2. Improve and waterproof access to the hall used for activities and play during rain.

Donations Needed

The school welcomes donations to support its programs and facilities. Needed items include:

• Detergents for washing and cleaning
• Freezer
• Toys for babies
• Baby resting chairs
• Chairs and tables for children aged 4 and 5
• Bedding for babies
• Tricycles/cars/scooters
• Furniture for play areas for children aged 3 to 5
• Computers with games/legos/puzzle games
• Baby dishes (plates, bowls, spoons)

Financial Contributions

Donations can be made via IBAN: PT50 0036 0040 9910 0514 4842 3. Receipts are provided for tax benefits.

Recent Donation

In 2019, a donation from Caixa Geral de Depósitos helped expand and improve the space, enhancing children's motor development and interaction with nature.