Jacksonville, Fla. – Filling a need for parents looking for a safe, state-of-the-art, quality childcare, St. Luke Catholic Church in Middleburg is set to dedicate its new childcare center on Friday, June 21, at 11 a.m., located at 1608 Blanding Blvd.

Bishop Felipe J. Estévez of the Diocese of St. Augustine will bless the new center, scheduled to open on July 15. 

The new 9,720 square feet facility has the capacity to serve 162 children from age 6 weeks to 5 years (VPK), and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

The first of its kind in the area, the St. Luke Child Care Center serves as an “open center,” where parents can observe their child’s classroom, ask questions of staff, come in during recess and play with their child on age-appropriate equipment.

“We have designed this center with the family as a whole in mind,” said Amy Roberts, director of the new child care center. “We want parents to be involved, to know their child’s teacher, meet their friends, and become part of St. Luke’s community.”

Roberts said the teaching staff at the child care center will include the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family Congregation. “Emphasis will be placed on providing school readiness, basic math and language arts skills, and behavioral and social skills.”