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
-
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.
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
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 2026-2027
August
7 Open House
10 First Day of School
November
4 Trike-a-Thon
23-27 School Closed-
Thanksgiving Break
February
15 School Closed-President's Day
May
25 Last full day of school
26 VPK Graduation Ceremony
& End of Year Celebration (School closes at noon for celebration)
27-Jun 4 School closed-Summer prep
September
7 School Closed/Labor Day
December
15 & 16 Christmas Picnic
21-Jan 1 School Closed-Christmas Break
March
12 School Closed-Professional Day
15-19 School Closed-Spring Break
26 School Closed-Good Friday
June
7 Summer Camp begins
October
12 School Closed-Professional Day
January
4 School closed-Professional Day
18 School Closed-Martin Luther King
Day
April
16 School closed-Mini Break
12 Art Show 6-7p
July
Summer Camp
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 States since 2006. I have always loved taking care of children and building healthy relationships with them and their families, and will continue to influence young children’s lives in order to better prepare them for their academic future.
Miss Courtney
Room 1 Teacher
I’m so happy to be teaching your children! I’ve worked in childcare since 2022; it’s my passion and I plan to pursue this as my career.
A little about me: I was a professional swimmer! I love mangoes and Italian subs from Publix, watching reality TV and anime. I have a dog named Rachel whose birthday is April Fool’s Day. I love going to amusement parks and spending time with my friends and family. My favorite saying: “Children learn better when they feel loved.” I’m so excited for a fun, happy, and amazing year of learning together… thank you for trusting me with your little one!
Miss Jamie
VPK Teacher
I have been teaching since 2001 and I am a Sarasota native. I have completed my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from the State College of Florida. It has given me great joy to work with young children.
I love the Tampa Bay Rays and talk about baseball often with the children; I also enjoy hiking at local state parks and preserves. Favorite hobbies are reading, hiking, and going to the beach.
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 Teacher
I was born in Venezuela and I have been living in the beautiful county of Sarasota since 2021, which has welcomed me to make my life here. I am a dog lover and have a dog in Venezuela (Rocco) and one here (Stella). I love working with children and am excited to partner with your family and look forward to making this school year full of love, learning, laughter and wonderful memories.
In my free time, I enjoy exercising, running, the beach, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Miss Miranda
Room 1 Teacher
I have worked in child care since 2022, the last three years as VPK teacher. I was born and raised here in Sarasota and I have my AA degree from State College of Florida. I love drawing and painting and photography--I have over eight cameras! I love going to the beach, coffee and sweets, and spending time with family & friends.
I look forward to all the fun, learning, and amazing memories we will make together! Thank you for trusting me with your child
Miss Cecilia
Room 2 Teacher
It's a pleasure to have your child with me! In my country, Venezuela, I worked in schools all the time teaching english. I also gave private english lessons.
I love arts and crafts, and enjoy reading and writing. In fact, I wrote a basic english grammar book for schools. My favorite snack is chocolate!
My greatest wish for this year is to dedicate my time to the healthy growth of learning of our children, ensuring they feel good and happy during their time at school.
Miss Jess
Room 3 Teacher
Welcome to Room 3. I'm excited to be a part of this classroom! Working with children is truly my passion, and I have obtained my Child Development Associate license (CDA). I love singing, cooking, and spending time with Jesus and family.
I feel so blessed to be a part of your child's learning journey--let's make it the best one yet!
Miss Katie
Room 2 Teacher
Bonjour! I am Haitian-American, born and raised in Miami. I am the mother of four amazing little people. I've been working in the childcare field since 2016 and love it! I have my Child Development Associate (CDA) and look forward to furthering my work in childcare by becoming a registered behavioral counselor.
I love the Broadway musical, Hamilton, traveling and experiencing other cultures, and listening to music. A favorite saying: "Education is one thing that no one can take away from you." I'm excited to be part of the St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center team and look forward to helping your little one learn and grow!
_edited.jpg)
Miss Maddie
VPK Teacher
I was born and raised in Sarasota, and 2026 is my first year teaching VPK. I have been in early childhood education since 2023, 1-1/2 of those years have been at St. Paul..
In my free time, I love boating and football (a Kansas City Chiefs fan). I have a dog named Chip.
It is my passion to teach children and watch them grow.