St. Paul Lutheran Church
& Early Childhood Learning Center
Director's statement
It is our hope and expectation that our unique and innovative program will become well known for our progressive philosophy and curriculum in the areas of peaceful conflict resolution, anti-bias education and creative emergent curriculum. We also offer a unique science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) program in which these content areas are taught through our arts integration program. We will become a close-knit, loving family of parents, early childhood educators and wonderful children! Whenever there is a question of what is best for the program, we always promise to look at the issue from about two feet in height. In other words, we try to make decisions based on what is best for each child. We truly feel that God is watching over our program and is guiding us as we go.
mission
Our mission is to create a partnership with the parents and families of our community that is grounded in God’s love, and will nurture the growth of young children in a safe and loving Christian environment.
goals
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To provide a safe, peaceable, healthy and nurturing atmosphere for the academic, social and emotional growth and development of the children in our care.
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To offer a unique program that excites children about science, technology, engineering and math.
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To ensure that Christian ethics are an integral part of our curriculum. We see each child as a gift from God and celebrate individual interests, abilities, and diversity.
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To offer curriculum and classroom atmospheres and activities that spark each child’s interests. This atmosphere gives us an excellent base for enhanced and extended learning.
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To encourage a love of books and storytelling.
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To establish close ties between families, the early childhood learning center, and the St. Paul Lutheran congregation with many opportunities for involvement.
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To educate, support, and provide resources for our families as they travel the wonderful and challenging stages of early childhood development.
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open door policy
At St. Paul ECLC, feel free to drop in and join us ANYTIME. Parents and grandparents are always a fun addition to lunchtime too! Please remember though, that young children expect to be taken home when they see their parents. You can help us preserve classroom routines if you explain beforehand that you will be “visiting” and will return later to pick up your child.
OPEN HOURS
Part-time
9:00a to 1:00p
VPK
9:00a to 12:00p
The Wraparound
7:30a to 5:30p
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Open Monday–Friday
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2025-2026
August
8 Open House
11 First Day of School
November
24-28 School Closed-
Thanksgiving Break
February
16 School Closed-President's Day
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May
25 No school-Memorial Day
26 Last full day of school
27 VPK Graduation Ceremony
& End of Year Celebration (School closes at noon for celebration)
September
1 School Closed/Labor Day
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December
TBD Christmas Picnic
22-Jan 2 School Closed-Christmas Break
March
13 School Closed-Professional Day
16-20 School Closed-Spring Break
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June
Summer Camp is available each year
October
7 Trike-a-Thon
13 School Closed-Professional Day
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January
5 School closed-Professional Day
19 School Closed-Martin Luther King
Day
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April
3 School Closed-Good Friday
23 Art Show 6-9p
July
Summer Camp is available each year.
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TEACHERS & STAFF
Lisa McLean
Director
Child Development and Education is truly my calling in life as I have been in the early childhood field since 1991. I have my A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, my National CDA (Childhood Development Associate Degree), and my Advanced Director's Credential. I've been at the St Paul ECLC since 2012. My husband and I have been married for 25 years and we have two children, Ian and Addison. I am blessed to be a part of our amazing preschool family as we strive to help meet every child's individual needs and prepare them for a lifetime of learning.
Iven Ayad
Assistant Director
I have been in childcare beginning in 2009. I have raised two beautiful boys named Peter and Kirols. I was born in Egypt and I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Art and I have my Advanced Director's Credential. I have lived in the United State since 2006. I have always loved taking care of children and building healthy relationships with them and their families to continue to influence young children’s lives in order to better prepare them for their academic future.
Miss Tiffany
Room 1 Lead Teacher
I was born and raised here in beautiful Sarasota and I have four children. I have been working in early childhood for over 15 years. It's an honor and a privilege for me to be able to help them grow and learn. When I'm not working I enjoy being outdoors at the beach and swimming, and reading and spending time with family and friends.
Miss Jamie
VPK Lead Teacher
I have been teaching for over 20 years and I am a Sarasota native. I graduated from Sarasota High School and obtained my FCCPC (Florida Child Care Professional Credential) at SCF in Bradenton, FL. I have mostly worked with one to three year olds, but have also worked in a VPK classroom. It has given me great joy to work with young children. The first years of a child's life are so very important and I feel grateful to be a part of them.
Ms Christie
Room 1 Co-Teacher
I was born in Venezuela and I have been living in the beautiful county of Sarasota for three years, which has welcomed me to make my life here. I am a dog lover and have a dog in Venezuela and one here. I love working with children and giving my best so they can learn and develop their skills as they grow.
Ms Wilmanie
Room 2 Assistant Teacher
I am thrilled to be a part of Room 2's journey for the new school year. My main goal is to have a loving and caring relationship with each of your little ones. I want each of them to feel like this is their second home.
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I was born in Haiti, raised in Bradenton FL, and my parents are from Port-Au-Prince Haiti. Since I was a young girl I've always had a passion for kids and have always felt a natural connection to them. I come from a big family of ten siblings - three sisters and seven brothers. Learn, play, grow, and let children be themselves. I look forward to growing and expanding my career in early childhood education.
Miss Katie
Room 2 Co-Teacher
I started working in childcare since 2016. I received my FCCPS in 2022. Being number four of seven children, I always had to watch after my younger siblings, and I was always the designated babysitter for my older siblings' children. So being around kids comes naturally to me. I enjoy working with all ages and I find it fascinating how their minds work. I am fluent in Haitian Creole and English and also speak some French and Spanish. My passion for education comes from having three young children of my own, all girls! When I'm not working I'm usually with my daughters singing musicals, dancing, or watching Encanto. I'm excited to be part of the St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center team.
Miss Miranda
VPK Assistant Teacher
I have been working in child care since 2023. I've worked with all ages from six weeks to age five. I was born and raised here in Sarasota. I have my AA degree from State College of Florida, and now in 2025, I'm on my way to being accepted into Stanford University. Fun fact: I have over 150 pairs of shoes! And I love doing makeovers so much, I obtained my Cosmetology license.
Miss Malia
Room 3 Lead Teacher
I was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida then moved to Sarasota in 2017. I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2022. I truly discovered my passion for child development and education while raising my own boys, who also attended the ECLC through their VPK year.
The staff at St. Paul's ECLC inspired me to obtain my A.S. in Early Childhood Education, which I proudly accomplished as of 2025! I'm grateful for the opportunity to use my experience and knowledge to create a safe and nurturing environment within my classroom to enrich each child's development and education!
Miss Maddie
Room 3 Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in Sarasota, and from the moment I first started babysitting, I knew my patience and passion could be used in education. I love watching my students grow and learn.
I have been teaching for a while now and look forward to building relationships with the children and families in my classroom. My goal is to continue my education in the field of early childhood education.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach or spending time on the boat. I have a dog named Chip and a cat named Evie.