St. Paul Lutheran Church
& Early Childhood Learning Center
ST. PAUL EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER
"The Peaceable Kingdom"
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
-
To provide a safe, peaceable, healthy and nurturing atmosphere for the academic, social and emotional growth and development of the children in our care.
-
To offer a unique program that excites children about science, technology, engineering and math.
-
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.
-
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.
-
To encourage a love of books and storytelling.
-
To establish close ties between families, the early childhood learning center, and the St. Paul Lutheran congregation with many opportunities for involvement.
-
To educate, support, and provide resources for our families as they travel the wonderful and challenging stages of early childhood development.
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 2022-2023
August
5 Open House
10 First Day of School
November
21-25 School Closed-
Thanksgiving Break
February
20 School Closed-President's Day
TBA Spaghetti Dinner
May
25 Last full day of school
26 VPK Graduation Ceremony
& End of Year Celebration (School closes at noon-celebration follows)
September
5 School Closed/Labor Day
December
TBD Christmas Picnic
23-Jan 9 School Closed-Christmas Break
March
13-20 School Closed-Spring Break
20 School Closed-Professional Day
June
TBA Summer Camp-Session 1
October
4 Trike-a-Thon
14 School Closed-Professional Day
TBD Fall Festival/Concert
January
9 School Closed-Professional Day
16 School Closed-Martin Luther
King Day
April
17 School Closed-Good Friday
TBD Art Show
July
TBA Summer Camp-Session 2
TBA Summer Camp-Session 3
teachers & staff
Lisa McLean
Director
Child Development and Education is truly my calling in life as I have been in the early childhood field for 31 years. 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.
Miss Sierra
Lead VPK Teacher
I entered into the Early Childhood Development field about 4 years ago, but I have been around children for almost as long as I can remember. Children have always had a special place in my heart. It was so incredible when I was able to advance my knowledge of children and how they grow by becoming a preschool teacher in my senior year of high school, Early Childhood classes dominated half of each day. I came back the following year and received my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. I believe that children are a special gift from God, and fostering their growth and knowledge is what He has called me to do.
Miss Regina
Floater/Assistant Teacher
I am 43 years old and have lived in Florida all of my life. I graduated from the University of South Florida, majoring in Elementary Education. I have been teaching for about 14 years and love working with children. I have a wonderful son, Conner, who is 20 years old. He attends college in West Palm Beach.
I am somewhat new to Sarasota, having lived here for about a year and really love it. I have two adorable kitties, named Price Frederick and Layla. I enjoy
traveling and visiting the mountains.
I look forward to many great years at St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center.
Miss Kiley
Floater/Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Kiley Johnson. I have two boys who are ages eight and five. My youngest son attended VPK last year with Ms. Olivia and Ms. Sierra. When I first brought him to the school I was very nervous as it was his first time being away from me, but everyone at St. Paul ECLC made it so much more possible. I was previously in the medical field, but when I saw they needed help I was ready to expand my career and combine it all into one. I also couldn't pass up working with such an amazing team. During this opportunity here I am committed to helping your children, watching them grow and seeing all of their accomplishments.
Miss Allie
Assistant Three Year Old Teacher
Hi! I grew up here in beautiful Sarasota. I have three children, one of which attends St. Paul ECLC. I've been a stay-at-home mother for eight years, but it's time now to pursue my passion. I've wanted to be a techer 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 Sydney
Co-Teacher Room 1
Hello! I am 18 years old. I graduated from Truman High School in Pennsylvania. I moved back to Sarasota recently with my sister and my mom. My hobbies are reading, photography, a love for animals, and taking care of children. I look forward to my journey at St. Paul!
Olivia Partington-Farrow
Assistant Director
I have been working with children of all ages for over 10 years. I have my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arkansas in Education. Go Hogs! Ever since I was a little girl, my dream has been to educate and make a difference in the future generation and see them succeed. I love being creative and having fun! I enjoy watching sports, hanging with my boyfriend, painting, and playing with my pup!
Miss Jamie
Three Year Old Teacher
I have been teaching for 18 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 Zury
Co-Teacher Room 2
Hi, my name is Zury and I'm new to this field. 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 Katie
Co-Teacher Room 2
I started working in childcare over five years ago. 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 Laura
Assistant VPK Teacher
I have over 10 years experience in the education/early childhood field. I am from Indiana and have been living here for two and half years. Kids are my passion! I love watching them learn and grow. I love watching the enjoyment they have when they learn new things. My husband and I have two fur babies, Nala and Albert. When I'm not teaching you can find me spending time with my family and friends or reading a book by the pool. I'm so excited to be at St. Paul.
Miss Tiffany
Co-Teacher Room 1
I am 19 years old and from Sarasota. I have been part of the St. Paul ECLC for several years, starting as a volunteer, then a substitue, and now pursuing my passion of being a teacher. I am currently working on getting my CDA at SCF. My hobbies are dancing, traveling, cooking, and new things. I have two dogs named Max and Triscuit. I'm excited to pursue my teaching career here at St. Paul ECLC!