St. Paul Lutheran Church
& Early Childhood Learning Center
ST. PAUL EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER
"The Peaceable Kingdom"
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ABOUT US
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
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.
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.
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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mission
Our mission is to create a partnership with the parents and families of our community that is grounded in God’s love, and that will nurture the growth of young children in a safe and loving Christian environment.
OPEN HOURS
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Wraparound care from
7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Monday–Friday
school calendar 2023-2024
August
9 Open House
10 First Day of School
November
20-24 School Closed-
Thanksgiving Break
February
19 School Closed-President's Day
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May
23 Last full day of school
24 VPK Graduation Ceremony
& End of Year Celebration (School closes at noon-celebration follows)
September
4 School Closed/Labor Day
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December
TBD Christmas Picnic
22-Jan 5 School Closed-Christmas Break
March
8 School Closed-Professional Day
11-15 School Closed-Spring Break
29 School Closed-Good Friday
June
TBA Summer Camp
October
10 Trike-a-Thon
16 School Closed-Professional Day
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January
15 School Closed-Martin Luther King
Day
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April
TBA
July
TBA Summer Camp
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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 Jennifer
VPK Assistant Teacher
I am so glad your child is in my class. I was raised in a small town in Minnesota where I lived until 2021. I currently reside in Sarasota with my three children and fiance. I have been teaching preschool since 2020.
Miss Jamie
Lead VPK 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.
Miss Katie
Co-Teacher Room 2
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 Zury
Co-Teacher Room 2
I have been in the childcare field since 2020. In August of 2023 I received my National CDA. I love kids and seeing them grow. I'm really passionate about showing the children new things about the world. As Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the Most Powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Miss Edwine
Assistant Room 3 Teacher
I grew up in the beautiful countryside in Haiti. Growing up I always watched over my younger brother and cousin. I am married and have three children. I love working with young children and watching how their brains work as they process and learn new things. I am fluent in English, Haitian Creole, and French. I am thrilled to be your child's teacher and believe that every child has the potential to shine!
Miss Allie
Lead Three Year Old Teacher
I grew up here in beautiful Sarasota. I have three children, one of which attends St. Paul ECLC. After being a stay-at-home mother for eight years, I felt it was time now to pursue my passion. I've wanted to be a teacher since the sixth grade and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to learning about your child and being a part of their learning journey!
Miss Breanna
Assistant Room 1 Teacher
I am pleased to be part of the St. Paul ECLC. I grew up in Miami and I am Haitian and Dominican. I am the youngest of nine children in my family. I am currently in school for Early Childhood Education at SCF. I taught myself Korean and in April of 2023 I went to South Korea to visit and practice my Korean. I am creative and love to organize and can't wait to share my skills at St. Paul ECLC.
Miss Tiffany
Lead Room 1 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.