MARYVILLE, Mo. – SSM Health St. Francis Hospital announced Dr. Pradnya Patet has accepted the manager position at the new SSM Health Preschool and Child Care Center.
According to an SSM Health press release, Dr. Patet joins SSM Health with more than 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, and a Ph.D. in Family and Child Development from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Her most recent roles include, Coordinator of Early Childhood Programming, and Associate Professor, both held at Northwest Missouri State University’s School of Education. She also serves as the Director of Children and Family Ministries at the Maryville First United Methodist Church.
“I am honored to be a part of the SSM Health team and serve the children and families of Maryville and the neighboring communities,” said Patet. “Early childhood educators literally ‘hold’ the future in their hands and nurture it with compassionate and loving hearts. I cannot wait to be a part of this wonderful dream and help facilitate a caring and stimulating environment that honors every single child and family that walks through our doors.”
Dr. Patet joins supervisor, Cindy Sons. In her new role, Dr. Patet will oversee the strategic development of the child care center, its mission, policies, and programming. The new center is expected to welcome current families on July 30, and new children at the start of the 2018-2019 school year on August 16. The new 14,000 square-foot center doubles the capacity of the current center to serve 136 children, ages six weeks to 5 years, along with before and after school programming. Back-up care for families will also be available as space allows.
“We are excited to see this dream become a reality,” said Megan Jennings, St. Francis Hospital Foundation Development Officer. “Dr. Patet is a wonderful addition to our team, and we are eager to see her vision come to life.”
Families interested in enrolling their children in the new center can call (660) 562-7920 for more information.