Calico Cat Preschool Celebrates 45 Years in South River

On September 29, Calico Cat Preschool at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in South River will celebrate 45 years of service to children and families in Middlesex County.

Calico Cat was founded in 1979 by parishioner Beverly Budd as a nursery school, offering part time morning and afternoon programs. In 2009 Calico Cat became a full time childcare/daycare provider with a capacity of fifty children from 2 to 6 years of age and is inspected and licensed by the State of New Jersey.

The preschool is a ministry of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 90 Leonardine Ave, South River and some of the founding families remain active in the leadership of the church and governance of the school. September 29 will be observed as Calico Cat Sunday at the grounds of the church. The celebration will start at worship service at 10AM with special prayers and songs by the children of the school. Hot dogs, games and a Bounce House for the kids will follow in the church’s grove (or in the parish hall, in case of inclement weather). Both currently enrolled children, their families, and alumni of the school of all ages are invited to the anniversary church service and hot dog celebration.

The current director, Kimberly Klitzke-DeSarno, is a lifelong member of the church and retired public school teacher. She sent all three of her children to Calico Cat back in the 1990’s. Board member Jennifer Brandt, who also sent her child to the preschool, stated that “In South River, Holy Trinity is known for Calico Cat, and in East Brunswick and South River, I meet folks who are excited to share that their children loved Calico Cat”.

Adult alumni of the school enroll their children at Calico Cat. It’s a tradition for local families. Public school teachers are enthusiastic about the preparation for kindergarten and choose to enroll their own children at the preschool. As a small preschool, in a neighborhood setting, Calico Cat relies on the strength of word of mouth: families recommend Calico Cat to their friends.

Calico Cat also cares for the spiritual life of its children and families. In a time of declining Sunday church attendance and membership across denominations, Calico Cat provides families with weekly spiritual enrichment. Children come from a variety of religious backgrounds, and only some may be involved in their church’s ministry. Children learn to feel at home to participate in church rituals. They are encouraged to ask questions, to sing hymns and spiritual songs. Every week children are welcomed into the church for a lesson based on a story from the bible by interim priest, Father Lee. The children sing songs, pray, and act out biblical stories in a playful way, accessible to the kids. In the words of Fr. Lee “That’s why our church offers Calico Cat to our community—we are nurturing loving people for a world in need of care and compassion."

Calico Cat Preschool is located at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 90 Leonardine Ave. South River. For additional information, or to arrange a visit, please contact the Calico Cat Preschool Director, Ms. Kim at CalicoCatPreschool@gmail.com or 732.254.2276. Our Amazon wish list can be found at Link for Calico Cat Wish List.