St. Paul Lutheran Church
& Early Childhood Learning Center
ST. PAUL EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER
"The Peaceable Kingdom"
ABOUT US
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.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
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.
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 2021-2022
August
9 Open House
10 First Day of School
November
22-26 School Closed-
Thanksgiving Break
February
21 School Closed-President's Day
TBA Spaghetti Dinner
May
26 Last full day of school
27 VPK Graduation Ceremony
& End of Year Celebration (School Closes at Noon- Celebration follows)
September
6 School Closed/Labor Day
TBA Fall Festival/Concert
December
15 Christmas Breakfast
23-Jan 7 School Closed-Christmas Break
March
12-18 School Closed-Spring Break
21 School Closed-Professional Day
June
TBA Summer Camp-Session 1
October
5 Trike-a-Thon
15 School Closed-Professional Day
January
10 School Closed-Professional Day
17 School Closed-Martin Luther
King Day
April
15 School Closed-Good Friday
21 Art Show - 6-7pm (tentative)
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.
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 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 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 Amy
Older Toddler Teacher
I began working with children as a nanny. I have also worked as a three-year-old teacher and Pre-K teacher. I have experience working in a nationally accredited program. I have been in this field for over twenty years and began at St. Paul when it opened in 2008. I feel that teaching is the most rewarding job that I could have - children truly are our future and the early years are the most important in a child’s life.
Miss Nellie
One Year Old Teacher
My name is Marianelli Rojas, I have been working as a teacher since I finished college in 2001. I haven’t stopped there with my training and education. I am licensed in different languages. I have a Childcare Professional Credential (FCCPC). I like working with kids because they are sweet little angels. I am full with happiness when watching the children develop and grow bigger each day. I can’t even imagine working in any other different field.
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Miss Gail
Assistant VPK Teacher
Hello, my name is Gail Whitley and I’ve been a preschool teacher for the past six years. I have my 45 hours and I am CPR Certified. I have also served for a year as a Sarasota County guardian. When I am not in the classroom, I am mother to a hilarious seven year old girl and a wonderful 15 year old boy. Working with children has always been my passion and working at St Paul has been extremely rewarding.