On March 3, 1980,

we began as an apostolate of

the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George.

St. Francis Day Care Center has provided quality

and loving care for families in the Riverbend area

for over 40 years.

Through our loving care for God's beloved children,

we hope to be a beacon of love, support, and educational excellence within our community,

where each cherished child of God has their unique talents recognized, honored, and nurtured,

fostering their flourishing and thriving across all aspects of life.

About the Sisters

The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George began our American Province over 100 years ago with many hardships and in poverty. In response to Father Dunne's search for Sisters to staff and operate Newsboys Home in St. Louis (an institution for unwanted and neglected boys), our Sisters arrived on December 27, 1923 from Thuine, Germany.

Soon recognizing that they were not trained for this work, they began negotiations to purchase Nazareth Home, a residence for the elderly, in Alton, Illinois. On April 1, 1925, the Sisters moved to Alton, thus establishing the first Thuiner Franciscan house in the United States and renamed Nazareth Home to Saint Anthony’s Infirmary. By the turn of the century, this humble beginning, with five German Franciscan Sisters, would grow to 108 Sisters in fifteen houses in six states in America and over forty Sisters in twelve convents in Brazil.

Over 150 years since our founding in Germany, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George continue in the example of St. Francis, listening and responding to God’s call to rebuild His Church. In "looking on Him Whom they have pierced" (John 19:37), the Sisters bring the charism entrusted to them into the world by striving to make His merciful love visible. The Sisters make Christ's merciful love known through their service to others in a variety of apostolic activities – healthcare, care of the elderly, education, day care, religious education, parish work, and social services. 

In the spirit of Mother M. Anselma, the Sisters continue to seek to know God’s Will for them as they strive to serve His people. 

For more information about the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, visit this website!

Daily Schedule

slight variations depending on classroom

6:00 am - Center opens

7:15-7:50 am - Breakfast

8:00 – 11:00 am -

Daily activities in classroom, including morning snack and 30 minutes of outside playground or gym time

11:00 am - Lunch

12:00-2:00 pm - Nap/rest time

2:00 – 5:00 pm -

Daily activities in classroom, including afternoon snack and 30 minutes outside playground or gym time

5:30 pm - Center closes

Program

St. Francis Day Care Center is a child care facility licensed by the State of Illinois for children between the ages of 6 weeks and Pre-K.

• Classroom activities beginning by 8:00 a.m. each day. 
• The Center offers an educational program geared to the developmental needs of each child. 
• Teachers carefully plan and coordinate a balanced, flexible curriculum which offers conceptual experiences in language arts, math, science, dramatic play, music, and creative arts plus ample opportunity to develop small and large motor skills.

Our Philosophy

St. Francis Day Care Center has been established for your child. 

A child is a gift from God to you and to the world.

God loves your children; you love your children; we love your children.

Christ said, “Let the children come to Me for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Luke 18:16).

To you we say with His words: Let the children come to us while you are working,

and when your child returns to you, we hope he or she will be more loved, more loving, and happier every day.

Offered in support of this concept, our day care services are not limited by religious belief, nationality, race or economic status.

Our Goals

-help provide the atmosphere, time, space, and materials for carefree, joyful play, which we believe is the basis for developing skills in a child.

-aid your child to grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially by providing an environment that will stimulate and create interests.

-encourage and facilitate many occasions for your child to explore the mystery of God’s creation through nature and other materials, helping him or her to be at home in this world.

The Center will offer ample opportunity for your child to grow in openness, in trust, and in concern for those around him or her.  For the total well-being of your child, we look forward to a good relationship between you, the parents, and our employees in the Center.