Wilmington Garden Day supports

Founded in 1890 by the son of Delaware's second Episcopal bishop, St. Michael's School and Nursery is Delaware's oldest child care program and one of the 20 oldest in the nation. It was opened to provide a safe haven for the children of immigrant workers who were struggling to earn a living in Wilmington's tanneries and factories. In the early 20th Century its mission expanded to encompass both an orphanage and a children's hospital providing a temporary home and health care for the city's neediest children-those abandoned by parents who could not provide for them and African American infants and children turned away from segregated hospitals. By 1908, when St. Michael's established a kindergarten, more formal learning had become an integral part of its mission.

Through the decades, St. Michael's program has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community it serves, but it has remained steadfast in its belief that children learn best and flourish in a secure, loving and nurturing environment. Today, through its highly-regarded developmental child care program, St. Michael's cares year-round for up to 120 children, ages six weeks through kindergarten at its facility at 305 East Seventh Street. Alumni and older siblings of current students (up to third graders) are welcomed back to St. Michael's for summer camp and a special child care program offered on days when their schools are closed during the academic year.

Because St. Michael's insists on child-to-care giver ratios, professional teacher and care giver standards, and curriculum content that exceeds what is mandated by state law and common in other child care settings, the tuition charged does not cover the real per-child costs. Over 60 percent of all St. Michael's families receive financial aid through the tuition assistance program, funded by individual contributions and foundation and corporate grants.

St. Michael's appreciates and encourages financial, in kind and volunteer support from the greater Wilmington community. Contributions to the annual to the annual campaign help to maximize the number of children and families St. Michael's serves. Donations of children's clothes, books, audio and video tapes, toys and arts and crafts materials are also gratefully accepted. St. Michael's offers volunteer opportunities through Read Aloud Delaware, the Foster Grandparent Program, and high school service projects. St. Michael's also welcomes individuals with talents to share.